Hadith #7109

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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

If the intellect was sound, every person would take advantage of [every moment of] his time.

This profound statement emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time wisely and making the most of every opportunity that comes our way.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this hadith. The word (sahha) "صَحَّ" means

to be sound or healthy.

It refers to the state of having a sound intellect, a mind that is free from confusion or delusion. The word (aql) "عَقْلُ" refers to the intellect or rationality that distinguishes humans from other creatures. And the word (mahalah) "مَهَلَهُ" means "his time" or "his moments."

To understand the significance of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 verse highlights the fleeting nature of time and the importance of utilizing it wisely.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us, (Quran 90:4-17)

And We have certainly created man to be in hardship. Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? He says, 'I have spent wealth in abundance.' Does he think that no one has seen him? Have We not made for him two eyes? And a tongue and two lips? And have shown him the two ways? But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave or feeding on a day of severe hunger an orphan of near relationship or a needy person in misery. And then being among those who believed and advised each other to patience and advised each other to compassion

From these verses, we can understand that time is a precious resource bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a test for mankind, and those who utilize it wisely are the ones who will succeed. The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes this point, stating that if our intellect is sound, we would seize every moment and make the most of our time.

Reflecting on this hadith, we can see the motivation it provides for us to be proactive and productive in our lives. It encourages us to prioritize our time and not waste it on trivial matters or idle pursuits. By recognizing the value of time and utilizing it effectively, we can achieve success in both this world and the hereafter.

The consequences of neglecting the importance of time are evident in the lives of those who procrastinate or engage in unproductive activities. They often find themselves overwhelmed and regretful, realizing that they have wasted precious opportunities that will never return. On the other hand, those who understand the significance of time and make the most of it are able to accomplish great things and leave a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to value and utilize their time wisely. By having a sound intellect and making the most of every moment, we can fulfill our responsibilities, achieve our goals, and ultimately attain success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to make the most of our time and use it in a way that pleases Him.