Hadith #9612

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profound concept of spiritual journey and progress. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that one whose riding mount is the night and day is carried forward by it, even when they are stationary. This metaphorical statement signifies the continuous spiritual growth and progress of an individual, regardless of their physical state or location.

Let us delve into the important words used in this Hadith. The term (matiyyah) "مَطِيَّة" refers to a riding mount or a means of transportation. In this context, it symbolizes the means through which an individual progresses in their spiritual journey. The words (al-layl wa al-nahar) "اللَّيْلُ وَالنَّهَارُ" refer to the night and day, representing the passage of time and the opportunities it presents for spiritual growth.

To further understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3):

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of utilizing time wisely and engaging in righteous actions. It reminds us that time is a valuable resource that can either be wasted or utilized for spiritual progress.

Another relevant ayah is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:1-2):

Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive.

This ayah highlights the significance of prayer as a means of spiritual elevation. It emphasizes the importance of consistent devotion and submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in order to attain success in this world and the hereafter.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He states that even when one is stationary, they are still carried forward by their spiritual journey. This implies that the true progress lies in the continuous effort to improve oneself, regardless of external circumstances. Just as the night and day continue to pass, providing opportunities for growth, a person should strive to make the most of every moment and engage in acts of worship and righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that one traverses the distance even if they are settled in one place. This signifies that physical location does not limit spiritual progress. Regardless of where a person is, they can still embark on a spiritual journey and strive for self-improvement. This emphasizes the importance of internal transformation and the development of one's character, rather than solely focusing on external factors.

The motivation behind this Hadith is to inspire Muslims to constantly seek personal growth and spiritual elevation. It encourages us to utilize our time effectively, engage in acts of worship, and strive for righteousness. By doing so, we can continuously progress in our spiritual journey, even if we are physically stationary or settled in one place.

The consequences of implementing the teachings of this Hadith are immense. By recognizing the value of time and utilizing it wisely, we can attain success in this world and the hereafter. We can develop a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to embody the qualities of the believers mentioned in the Quran. This continuous effort towards self-improvement will lead to a fulfilling and purposeful life, as we strive to emulate the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly seek personal growth and spiritual progress. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing time effectively and engaging in acts of worship and righteousness. By doing so, we can continuously move forward in our spiritual journey, regardless of our physical state or location. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to make the most of our time and strive for continuous self-improvement.