Hadith #9472

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

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

الدَّهْرُ مُوَكَّلٌ بِتَشْتيتِ الأُلاّفِ

which translates to

Time is responsible for the separation of loved ones.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inevitable reality of time and its role in causing the dispersion and separation of individuals who hold affection for one another.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words and their implications. The term "الدَّهْرُ" refers to time, which encompasses the passage of moments, days, months, and years. It is a force that continuously moves forward, never ceasing nor waiting for anyone. The word "مُوَكَّلٌ" signifies responsibility or duty, indicating that time has been entrusted with the task of carrying out a specific function. Finally, "تَشْتيتِ الأُلاّفِ" means the dispersion or separation of loved ones, emphasizing the painful reality of being distanced from those we hold dear.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Anfal (8:30),

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse illustrates the power of time and how it can be utilized by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to bring about His divine plan. In this context, time played a crucial role in the protection and preservation of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the establishment of Islam.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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. It serves as a reminder that the passage of time can lead to loss and regret if not utilized for the pursuit of righteousness and the betterment of oneself and others.

Now, reflecting upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that time, as a divine creation, has been entrusted with the responsibility of causing the separation of loved ones. This separation can occur due to various factors such as distance, death, or circumstances beyond our control. It serves as a reminder of the impermanence of worldly relationships and the need to cherish and value our loved ones while we have the opportunity.

Moreover, this Hadith also teaches us the importance of utilizing our time wisely and investing it in nurturing and strengthening our relationships. It urges us to prioritize spending quality time with our loved ones, expressing our affection, and resolving any conflicts or misunderstandings that may arise. By doing so, we can mitigate the impact of time's separation and create lasting bonds that transcend the limitations imposed by the passage of time.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the role that time plays in the separation of loved ones. It prompts us to reflect on the transient nature of worldly relationships and the need to prioritize and cherish our loved ones while we have the opportunity. By utilizing our time wisely and investing it in nurturing our relationships, we can mitigate the impact of time's separation and create lasting bonds that endure beyond the constraints of this temporal world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to value and cherish our loved ones, and may He reunite us with them in the eternal abode of Paradise.