Hadith #9611

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the consequences that one may face if they neglect the passing of time and fail to utilize it wisely. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (pass by) "عَطَفَ", (chastised) "أدَّباهُ", (afflicted) "أبْلَياهُ", and (death) "المَنايا". "عَطَفَ" refers to the passing of time, both day and night, without one truly benefiting from them. It implies a sense of negligence and disregard for the value of time. "أدَّباهُ" and "أبْلَياهُ" convey the idea that such negligence and wastage of time will result in punishment and hardship. It highlights the consequences that one will face as a result of their negligence. Finally, "المَنايا" refers to death, which is brought closer to the individual due to their failure to make the most of their time.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of time and its proper utilization. In Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, and advise each other to truth and advise each other to patience.

This verse highlights the significance of time and the potential loss that awaits those who do not utilize it wisely. It emphasizes the importance of faith, good deeds, and mutual advice in order to make the most of the time we have been given.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose) and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This verse reminds us that our existence is not a mere game or a passing amusement. We have been created with a purpose, and our time in this world is a test. Neglecting this purpose and wasting our time will only lead us further away from our ultimate destination, which is to return to Allah.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that neglecting the passing of time and failing to utilize it wisely will result in punishment and hardship. It is a reminder for us to be conscious of the value of time and to make the most of every moment. Time is a precious resource that cannot be regained once lost. By utilizing our time in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, doing good deeds, and benefiting others, we can ensure that we are not among those who are chastised and afflicted due to the neglect of time.

Let us take a moment to reflect on our own lives and assess how we are utilizing the time that Allah has blessed us with. Are we making the most of our days and nights, or are we allowing them to pass by without any meaningful purpose? Let us strive to be among those who are mindful of the passing of time and who use it to draw closer to Allah and fulfill our purpose in this world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to make the most of our time, and may He protect us from the consequences of neglecting it. Ameen.