Hadith #7606

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to not squander their precious time in futile and frivolous activities. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to refrain from wasting our lives in useless pastimes, as doing so would lead us to leave this world without any hope in the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and phrases used. The word (tufni) "تُفْنِ" means to waste or squander, while (umrak) "عُمْرَكَ" refers to one's lifetime. The term (almalāhī) "المَلاهي" can be translated as useless pastimes or vain pursuits. Finally, (takhruja) "تَخْرُجَ" means to depart or leave.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time wisely and not engaging in frivolous activities. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah says, (Quran 103:1-3)

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 ayah highlights the fleeting nature of time and the potential loss that awaits those who fail to make the most of it. It emphasizes the importance of faith, righteous deeds, and mutual advice towards truth and patience. By avoiding useless pastimes and focusing on actions that bring us closer to Allah, we can ensure that our time is well-spent and that we leave this world with hope in the Hereafter.

Another relevant ayah can be found in Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah narrates the story of two men, one of whom was blessed with gardens and wealth. However, instead of using his resources for the benefit of others and the sake of Allah, he became arrogant and indulged in his worldly possessions. Allah says, (Quran 18:42)

And his fruits were encompassed [by ruin], so he began to turn his hands about [in dismay] over what he had spent on it, while it had collapsed upon its trellises, and said, 'Oh, I wish I had not associated with my Lord anyone'

This ayah serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the consequences of wasting our time and resources in worldly pursuits without considering the greater purpose of our existence. The man in the story regretted his actions when he saw his wealth and possessions destroyed, realizing that he had not used them in a manner pleasing to Allah.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic ayats, we understand that wasting our time in useless pastimes not only deprives us of the opportunity to earn rewards in the Hereafter but also leads to regret and despair. By engaging in activities that align with the teachings of Islam and contribute to our spiritual growth, we can ensure that our time is well-spent and that we leave this world with hope and a strong connection to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words continue to guide and inspire Muslims to this day. His advice to avoid wasting our lives in futile pursuits serves as a reminder for us to prioritize our actions and make the most of our time in this world. May Allah grant us the wisdom to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and utilize our time in a manner that pleases Him.