Hadith #7596

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 noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the temporal nature of human life and the importance of utilizing the present moment for righteous actions. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound saying in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (maadiya) "ماضِيَ", which refers to the past or that which has come to pass. It signifies the time that has already elapsed, encompassing all the experiences, actions, and events that have occurred in an individual's life. This word reminds us that the past is immutable and cannot be changed. It serves as a reminder to reflect upon our actions and learn from our past mistakes and successes.

The second word is (ajal) "أجَلٌ", which means the future or that which is yet to come. It represents the unknown and uncertain aspect of our lives, filled with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. The future holds the potential for growth, improvement, and the realization of our goals. It is a reminder to remain optimistic and strive for excellence in all our endeavors.

The third word is (wal-waqtu) "وَالوَقْتُ", which translates to the present or the current moment. It signifies the immediate time in which we exist and emphasizes the importance of utilizing it wisely. The present moment is a precious gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it is through our actions in the present that we can shape our future and leave a lasting impact.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (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 emphasizes the fleeting nature of time and highlights the importance of utilizing it for righteous actions.

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

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 without purpose. We have been created for a greater reason, and it is our responsibility to make the most of the time we have been given.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their past, remain hopeful for the future, and take action in the present. It encourages us to learn from our past experiences, seek forgiveness for our mistakes, and strive for self-improvement. It also reminds us to have faith in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) plan for our future, while actively working towards our goals and aspirations.

By understanding the temporal nature of life and the importance of utilizing the present moment, we can lead a purposeful and fulfilling life. We must seize the opportunities that come our way, perform righteous deeds, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to make the most of our time and to be among those who are successful in this life and the hereafter.