Hadith #7595

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إنَّ اللَّيْلَ والنَّهارَ مُسْرِعانِ في هَدْمِ الأعْمارِ

which translates to,

Indeed the night and day are quick in razing the lifetimes.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the swift passage of time and the transient nature of our lives.

The word (musri'an) "مُسْرِعانِ" in the Hadith refers to the rapid pace at which the night and day pass by, symbolizing the fleeting nature of time. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the brevity of life and the urgency to make the most of the limited time we have been granted.

This concept of the swift passage of time is echoed in the Quran in several verses. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 22:47)

And they urge you to hasten the punishment. But Allah will never fail in His promise. And indeed, a day with your Lord is like a thousand years of those which you count.

This verse emphasizes the relative nature of time and how it is perceived differently by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) compared to humans.

Another verse that supports the concept of the swift passage of time is found in Surah Al-Asr, where 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 importance of utilizing time wisely and engaging in righteous actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the brevity of life and the urgency to make the most of the limited time we have been granted. It encourages us to prioritize our actions and make choices that align with our faith and values. The swift passage of time should motivate us to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and strive for self-improvement.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the impermanence of worldly pleasures and the transient nature of our existence. It urges us to focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter rather than being consumed by the fleeting pleasures of this world. By recognizing the swift passage of time, we are encouraged to prioritize our actions and invest in deeds that will benefit us in the long term.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we should strive to make the most of our time by engaging in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and performing righteous deeds. We should seize every opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for self-improvement. Additionally, we should be mindful of the transient nature of this world and focus on actions that will bring us closer to the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the swift passage of time and the transient nature of our lives. It encourages us to prioritize our actions, invest in righteous deeds, and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to make the most of our time and lead a life pleasing to Him.