Hadith #9478

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

Time has two states: destruction and bestowal; that which it destroys does not return and that which it bestows does not last.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of time and the impermanence of worldly blessings.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (ibadah) "إبادَة" refers to destruction or annihilation, while (ifadah) "إفادَة" means bestowal or granting. These two states of time are contrasting in nature, representing the cycle of creation and destruction that governs the universe.

To understand the deeper implications of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the transitory nature of life itself. Just as a plant grows and withers away, our material possessions and worldly achievements are temporary and will eventually fade. This aligns with the first part of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

that which it destroys does not return.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:88), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not invoke with Allah another deity. There is no deity except Him. Everything will be destroyed except His Face. His is the judgement, and to Him you will be returned.

This verse reminds us that everything in this world will eventually perish, except for the eternal existence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the temporary nature of blessings and favors bestowed upon us. We find in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77),

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to use the blessings and favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to seek the eternal abode of the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that the worldly blessings we enjoy are temporary and will not last forever. This aligns with the second part of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

that which it bestows does not last.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the impermanence of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal life in the Hereafter. It serves as a call to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and instead invest our time and efforts in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of time and the impermanence of worldly blessings. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of time and guide us on the path of righteousness.