Hadith #582

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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) highlights the temporal nature of this world and the inevitability of the passage of time. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily tomorrow is close to today. This day will pass with what is in it and tomorrow will come [soon] following it.

This impactful Hadith reminds us of the transient nature of our existence and the importance of utilizing our time wisely.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (ghadan) "غَدًا" refers to the future or the day after today. It signifies the passing of time and the arrival of a new day. The word (qareeb) "قَرِيبٌ" means close or near, indicating that tomorrow is not far away but rather imminent. The phrase (yadhhabu al-yawm bima feeh)

يَذْهَبُ الْيَوْمُ بِمَا فِيهِ

translates to

this day will pass with what is in it.

It emphasizes the fleeting nature of the present moment and the fact that once it is gone, it cannot be retrieved. Finally, the phrase (wayati al-ghadu lahiqan bihi)

وَيَأْتِي الْغَدُ لَاحِقًا بِهِ

means

and tomorrow will come following it.

It signifies the continuous cycle of time, where one day follows another in a seamless progression.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the transient nature of this world and the importance of utilizing our time wisely. 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 importance of utilizing our time in acts of faith, righteousness, and guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, Allah states, (Quran 23:99-100)

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected

This ayah serves as a reminder that once our time in this world is over, we cannot go back to rectify our actions. Therefore, it is crucial to make the most of the present moment and strive for righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith emphasizes the urgency of utilizing our time effectively. It serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect on their actions and make the most of every opportunity to do good. Just as today will pass with what is in it, tomorrow will come soon after, and we must be prepared for its arrival.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to prioritize their actions and focus on what truly matters in the sight of Allah. It reminds us that our time in this world is limited, and we must make the most of it by engaging in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity. By doing so, we can ensure that our tomorrow is better than our today and that we leave a positive impact on the world.

Moreover, this Hadith prompts Muslims to reflect on the consequences of their actions. Every passing day brings us closer to the Day of Judgment, where we will be held accountable for our deeds. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of our actions and strive for righteousness, as every moment counts in shaping our eternal destiny.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of this world and the importance of utilizing our time wisely. It urges Muslims to reflect on their actions, prioritize their deeds, and make the most of every opportunity to do good. By understanding the fleeting nature of time and the consequences of our actions, we can strive to make our tomorrow better than our today and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do. May Allah grant us the wisdom and guidance to make the most of our time and lead a righteous life.