Hadith #8358

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

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

اِنْتَهِزُوا فُرَصَ الخَيْرِ فَإنَّها تَمُرُّ مَرَّ السَّحابِ۔

This can be translated as,

Seize good opportunities, for indeed they pass by [quickly] like the passing of clouds.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words and phrases. The word (intahizoo) "اِنْتَهِزُوا" means to seize or take advantage of, while (fursa al-khayr) "فُرَصَ الخَيْرِ" refers to the opportunities of goodness. The phrase (tamurru marr al-sahab) "تَمُرُّ مَرَّ السَّحابِ" illustrates the fleeting nature of these opportunities, comparing them to the passing of clouds.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities for goodness and not delaying in performing righteous deeds. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:21), Allah says,

Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers. That is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights the urgency and swiftness with which we should strive towards goodness. It encourages us to actively pursue forgiveness and the rewards of Paradise, without procrastination or hesitation. Just as the clouds swiftly move across the sky, opportunities for good deeds come and go, and we must seize them before they pass us by.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), where Allah says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities for goodness in our interactions with others, even those who may not share our beliefs or values. It encourages us to treat them with kindness, justice, and righteousness. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims, but we also contribute to building bridges of understanding and harmony in society.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be proactive in seeking out opportunities for goodness. It urges us to be vigilant and attentive to the fleeting nature of these opportunities, as they may not present themselves again. By seizing these moments, we can make a positive impact on our own lives and the lives of others.

For example, if we come across an opportunity to help someone in need, whether it be through charity, volunteering, or offering support, we should not hesitate to act. Similarly, if we have the chance to acquire knowledge, whether it be through attending lectures, reading books, or engaging in discussions, we should seize the opportunity to enhance our understanding and grow spiritually.

By seizing these opportunities for goodness, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. Our actions can inspire others to follow suit and create a ripple effect of positive change. Conversely, if we neglect or ignore these opportunities, we may miss out on the blessings and rewards that come with them.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seizing good opportunities before they pass us by. It encourages us to be proactive in seeking out opportunities for goodness, whether it be in acts of worship, interactions with others, or personal growth. By doing so, we can make the most of the fleeting moments that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) presents to us and strive towards becoming better Muslims and individuals. May Allah guide us all in seizing these opportunities and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.