Hadith #8348

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الفُرَصُ خُلَسٌ۔" This concise statement can be translated as,

Opportunities are things that are [meant to be] seized.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (furasa) "فُرَصُ" in this Hadith refers to opportunities or moments that present themselves in our lives. These moments are not to be taken lightly; rather, they are meant to be seized and utilized to their fullest potential. The word (khulas) "خُلَسٌ" signifies the hidden or concealed nature of these opportunities. They may not always be obvious or easily recognizable, but they are present nonetheless.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities. 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 for forgiveness and Paradise. It reminds us that the opportunity to seek Allah's forgiveness and attain Paradise is a precious and time-sensitive matter. We must not delay in seizing this opportunity, as it may pass us by if we are not vigilant.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), where Allah 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 fleeting nature of time and the importance of utilizing it wisely. It serves as a reminder that opportunities come and go, and it is only through faith, righteous actions, and sincere advice that we can make the most of these opportunities and avoid loss.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to be vigilant and proactive in recognizing and seizing the opportunities that come our way. These opportunities may manifest in various forms, such as acquiring knowledge, performing good deeds, seeking forgiveness, or helping others. By seizing these opportunities, we can grow spiritually, improve ourselves, and contribute positively to society.

For example, an opportunity to acquire knowledge may present itself through attending a beneficial lecture or reading a thought-provoking book. By seizing this opportunity, we can expand our understanding of Islam, gain wisdom, and apply that knowledge in our lives.

Similarly, an opportunity to perform a good deed may arise when we encounter someone in need. By seizing this opportunity, we can extend a helping hand, alleviate someone's suffering, and earn the pleasure of Allah.

Conversely, if we neglect or ignore these opportunities, we risk missing out on the blessings and rewards that come with them. We may also deprive ourselves of personal growth and the chance to make a positive impact on others.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of recognizing and seizing the opportunities that come our way. By being vigilant, proactive, and responsive to these opportunities, we can strive towards personal growth, spiritual development, and the attainment of Allah's pleasure. May Allah grant us the wisdom and insight to recognize and seize these opportunities, and may He bless us with success in this world and the hereafter.