Hadith #1489

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 noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action during the period of guidance, when our bodies are at ease, and while we still have the ability to act by our own will. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (faynat) "فَيْنَةِ" refers to a specific period or time. It signifies a limited opportunity or a specific window of time that should not be wasted. The word (al-irshad) "الإرْشادِ" refers to guidance, which is a divine gift bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through guidance that we are able to distinguish between right and wrong, and make choices that align with the teachings of Islam.

The phrase (rahat al-ajsad) "راحَةِ الأجسادِ" refers to a state of physical ease and comfort. It highlights the importance of utilizing our physical well-being to engage in acts of worship and righteousness. It is during times of physical ease that we are better able to focus on our spiritual development and fulfill our obligations as Muslims.

The phrase (mahal al-baqiya) "مَهَلِ البَقِيَّةِ" refers to our remaining lifetime. It reminds us that our time in this world is limited and that we should not delay in performing good deeds. We must seize the opportunity to do good while we still have the chance, as we do not know when our time will come to an end.

Lastly, the phrase (anf al-mashiyya) "أنْفِ المَشِيَّةِ" refers to the ability to act by volition. It signifies the freedom and capability to make choices and take action. This highlights the importance of utilizing our free will to engage in righteous deeds and make the most of the opportunities presented to us.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (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 verse emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action and utilizing our time wisely. It reminds us that the only way to avoid loss is through faith, righteous deeds, and encouraging one another towards truth and patience.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 highlights the importance of acting with righteousness and justice towards others, regardless of their beliefs or actions towards us. It reminds us that we should not delay in doing good, even towards those who may not reciprocate our kindness.

Reflecting on the exegesis of this Hadith, we understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to seize the opportunities presented to us during the period of guidance, when our bodies are at ease, and while we still have the ability to act by our own volition. He is reminding us of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of utilizing our physical and mental capabilities to engage in acts of worship and righteousness. By doing so, we can strive to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure success in this life and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to act upon the guidance provided by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and may He enable us to make the most of our time in this world. Ameen.