Hadith #5044

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

Two things whose value is not understood except by the one who has lost them are youth and health.

This Hadith highlights the importance and significance of youth and health, emphasizing that their true worth is often realized only after they have been lost.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The first word is (shabab) "شَبابُ", which refers to youth. Youth is a period of vitality, energy, and strength. It is a time when one possesses physical and mental capabilities that allow them to actively engage in various aspects of life. The second word is (al-'afiya) "الْعافِيَةُ", which translates to health. Health encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, enabling individuals to lead a fulfilling and productive life.

The Hadith highlights that the true value of youth and health is often not fully appreciated until they are lost. When one is young and healthy, they may take these blessings for granted, not realizing their true worth. It is only when these blessings are no longer present that one realizes the immense benefits and opportunities they provided.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the importance of youth and health. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions the story of the Companions of the Cave, who were granted a long period of sleep by Allah as a means of protection. When they woke up, they realized that their youth had been preserved, and they praised Allah for this blessing:

(Quran 18:18-20)

And you would have thought them awake, while they were asleep. And We turned them to the right and to the left, while their dog stretched his forelegs at the entrance. If you had looked at them, you would have turned from them in flight and been filled by them with terror. And similarly, We awakened them that they might question one another. Said a speaker from among them, 'How long have you remained [here]?' They said, 'We have remained a day or part of a day.' They said, 'Your Lord is most knowing of how long you remained. So send one of you with this silver coin of yours to the city and let him look to which is the best of food and bring you provision from it and let him be cautious. And let no one be aware of you. Indeed, if they come to know of you, they will stone you or return you to their religion. And never would you succeed, then.'

This verse illustrates the preservation of youth as a blessing from Allah. The Companions of the Cave were granted a prolonged period of sleep, and when they woke up, they found themselves in the prime of their youth. This incident serves as a reminder of the value and significance of youth.

Similarly, the Quran emphasizes the importance of health in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 2:195)

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages believers to spend in the way of Allah and not engage in self-destructive behavior. It implies that one should take care of their health and well-being, as it is a means to carry out good deeds and serve Allah's cause effectively.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we realize the importance of valuing and cherishing our youth and health. We should not take these blessings for granted but rather make the most of them by engaging in acts of worship, serving humanity, and striving for personal growth and development.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder to be grateful for the blessings of youth and health and to utilize them in a way that pleases Allah. It encourages us to make the most of our time and abilities, as they are gifts from Allah that should not be wasted or neglected.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the value of youth and health, which are often only fully appreciated once they are lost. It urges us to be grateful for these blessings and to utilize them in a way that benefits ourselves and others. May Allah grant us the wisdom to recognize the true worth of these blessings and to make the most of them in His obedience.