Hadith #401

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

What a breaker is sleep for resolutions of the day!

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the impact of sleep on our ability to fulfill our daily goals and resolutions. Let us delve deeper into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its significance in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word "anqada" in Arabic, translated as "breaker," refers to something that interrupts or hinders the progress or continuity of an action. It implies that sleep has the potential to disrupt our plans and resolutions for the day. Sleep, although a natural and necessary part of human life, can sometimes lead to a loss of time and productivity if not managed properly.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of utilizing our time wisely and being mindful of the potential distractions that can hinder our progress. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to be vigilant and proactive in their daily pursuits, ensuring that sleep does not become a hindrance to their goals and aspirations.

The Quran provides guidance on the importance of utilizing time effectively and avoiding procrastination. In Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 verse emphasizes the value of time and the need to utilize it for righteous actions and seeking knowledge.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And it is He who gives life and causes death, and His is the alternation of the night and the day. Then will you not reason?

This verse highlights the divine control over the alternation of night and day, reminding us of the importance of utilizing both periods for productive endeavors.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to be mindful of the potential loss of time that sleep can bring if not managed properly. It serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals to prioritize their goals and resolutions, and to make the most of their waking hours.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying also highlights the importance of self-discipline and self-control. It reminds us to establish a balance between rest and productivity, ensuring that sleep does not become a hindrance to our daily responsibilities and obligations.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge and utilizing it for the betterment of ourselves and society. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words in this Hadith reflect his deep understanding of human nature and the challenges we face in managing our time effectively.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims to be mindful of the potential loss of time that sleep can bring if not managed properly. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time wisely, being proactive in our pursuits, and seeking knowledge to fulfill our goals and resolutions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and discipline to make the most of our waking hours and to fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.