Hadith #9477

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Time consists of two days: a day for you and a day against you, so when it is for you then do not become vain and ungrateful, and when it is against you then have patience.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (dahr) "دَهْرُ" refers to time, encompassing both the past and the future. It is a comprehensive term that signifies the entirety of one's life. The word (yawm) "يَوْمٌ" means day, but in this context, it symbolizes a period or phase of time. (laka) "لَكَ" means for you, indicating a time of prosperity and ease. On the other hand, (ʿalayka) "عَلَيْكَ" means against you, representing a time of hardship and difficulty. (fala tabtar) "فَلا تَبْطَرْ" means do not become vain and ungrateful, and (fastabir) "فَاصْطَبِرْ" means have patience.

To understand the significance behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155),

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse emphasizes the inevitability of trials and tribulations in life. It reminds us that both prosperity and adversity are part of the divine plan.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan (76:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, this is a reminder, so whoever wills may take to his Lord a way.

This verse highlights the purpose of life, which is to seek closeness to Allah and to follow the path of righteousness. It reminds us that the passing of time should serve as a reminder of our ultimate goal and the transient nature of this world.

Now, let us delve into the exegesis of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that time is not always in our favor. There will be moments of prosperity and ease, and there will also be moments of hardship and difficulty. When we are experiencing a time of abundance and success, the Imam advises us not to become vain and ungrateful. We should not let our achievements and blessings lead us to arrogance and forgetfulness of Allah's favors upon us. Instead, we should remain humble and grateful, recognizing that all blessings come from Allah.

On the other hand, when we are faced with challenging times, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to have patience. Patience is a virtue that allows us to endure hardships with resilience and steadfastness. It is through patience that we can maintain our faith and trust in Allah, knowing that He is the ultimate source of relief and guidance. Patience enables us to navigate through difficult times with grace and dignity, without succumbing to despair or hopelessness.

The Imam's words remind us of the Quranic teachings that trials and tribulations are a part of life. They are tests from Allah to purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and remind us of our dependence on Him. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reassures us that Allah knows our capabilities and will not test us beyond our capacity to endure.

Moreover, the Hadith serves as a reminder that time is fleeting and transient. It is a reminder that our lives are composed of a limited number of days, and each day brings with it its own set of challenges and opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial for us to make the most of our time, utilizing it wisely and purposefully. We should strive to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and contribute positively to society, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with profound guidance on how to navigate the different phases of time in our lives. It reminds us to remain humble and grateful during times of prosperity, and to have patience and trust in Allah during times of adversity. By following the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to lead a balanced and purposeful life, seeking the pleasure of Allah in all that we do. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to implement these teachings in our lives.