Hadith #9605

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the continuous cycle of night and day, symbolizing the passage of time and the transient nature of human existence. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) eloquently states that the night and day are constantly in motion, persistently covering the living and erasing the remnants of those who have departed from this world.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this profound Hadith, let us examine the key words and their significance. The Arabic word (dayiban) "دائِبانِ" refers to something that is in constant motion or continuous. It emphasizes the perpetual nature of the night and day, as they relentlessly follow their predetermined courses. The word (tayy) "طَيِّ" means to cover or envelop, indicating that the night and day encompass the lives of all individuals, both present and past. Furthermore, the term (mahwi) "مَحْوِ" signifies the act of wiping out or erasing, highlighting the transient nature of human existence and the fading of the traces left by those who have passed away.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the concept conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:60):

And it is He who takes your souls by night and knows what you have committed by day. Then He revives you therein that a specified term may be fulfilled. Then to Him will be your return; then He will inform you about what you used to do.

This verse emphasizes the continuous cycle of life and death, with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) taking our souls during the night and reviving us during the day, until our appointed time comes to an end.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:61), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

That is because Allah causes the night to enter the day and causes the day to enter the night and because Allah is Hearing and Seeing.

This verse further emphasizes the perpetual nature of the night and day, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) seamlessly transitions between them. It serves as a reminder that time is constantly moving forward, and each passing day brings us closer to our ultimate return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on the enlightening message of this Hadith, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of our lives in this world. The night and day, with their continuous motion, serve as a metaphor for the passage of time. Just as the night covers the day and the day replaces the night, our lives are transient, and each moment brings us closer to our eventual departure from this world. This realization should motivate us to make the most of our time, to engage in righteous deeds, and to leave a positive impact on those around us.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the legacy we will leave behind. Just as the night wipes out the traces of the day, our actions and deeds will eventually fade away. Therefore, it is imperative that we strive to leave a lasting positive impact on the world, by engaging in acts of kindness, charity, and spreading goodness. By doing so, we ensure that our legacy continues to benefit others even after we have departed from this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of our existence. It urges us to make the most of our time, engage in righteous deeds, and leave a positive legacy behind. Just as the night and day continue their courses, let us strive to continuously seek Allah's pleasure and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live our lives in accordance with His teachings.