Hadith #7641

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises the Muslims to take immediate action and seize the opportunities that are available to them. He begins by highlighting the transient nature of life, emphasizing that the tongues are free, the bodies are healthy, and the limbs can be flexed. These descriptions signify the ability to communicate, the physical well-being, and the capability to engage in actions and deeds.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then draws attention to the fact that there is room for change and the area of movement is vast. This signifies the ample opportunities and possibilities that exist for individuals to make a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others. However, he warns that these opportunities will not last forever, and that death is inevitable. He urges the Muslims to be certain about the coming of death and not to wait for it to overtake them.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Mulk (67:2) that He is the One who created death and life to test us, and that we will all be returned to Him. This verse serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the certainty of death. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing the time we have been given to fulfill our obligations and make a positive impact.

Furthermore, 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 urgency of taking action and doing righteous deeds. It emphasizes that the passage of time is a reminder of our limited opportunity to earn rewards and seek forgiveness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a wake-up call for all Muslims. It reminds us that life is fleeting and that we must seize the opportunities presented to us. We must not procrastinate or delay in fulfilling our obligations and striving for righteousness. We must utilize our tongues to speak the truth, our bodies to engage in acts of worship, and our limbs to perform good deeds.

The consequences of not heeding this advice are grave. If we wait for death to overtake us without having taken advantage of the opportunities available to us, we will have wasted our time and failed to fulfill our purpose in this world. We will have lost the chance to earn rewards and seek forgiveness. Therefore, it is imperative that we reflect on the message of this Hadith and take immediate action.

Let us remember that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His words carry immense weight and hold great significance for all Muslims. We should strive to emulate his example and make the most of the time we have been given. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to act upon this advice and make the most of our lives before the inevitable arrival of death.