Hadith #9607

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of time and the responsibility that lies upon every individual to utilize it wisely. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the night and day are constantly working in us, making us older with each passing moment. Therefore, he advises us to engage in righteous actions during this limited time, and to take advantage of the opportunities that come our way.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze some important words. The word (ya'malani) "يَعْمَلانِ" refers to the continuous action of the night and day, working in us. It signifies the passage of time and the effects it has on our lives. The word (fa'amal) "فَاعْمَلْ" means to engage in action, to work, or to perform deeds. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time effectively by engaging in good deeds. The word (ya'khudhan) "يَأْخُذانِ" means to take or to extract. It implies that the night and day take something from us, which can be interpreted as our youth, energy, or even our life. And finally, the word (fakhudh) "فَخُذْ" means to take or to seize. It suggests that we should also take something from the night and day, which can be understood as the opportunities and blessings that they offer.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be further illuminated by several Quranic verses. 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 importance of utilizing time wisely and engaging in righteous actions. It reminds us that time is a valuable resource and that we should strive to make the most of it by performing good deeds and seeking guidance from Allah.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115):

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

This verse reminds us of the purpose of our existence and the accountability that awaits us in the Hereafter. It serves as a motivation to utilize our time in this world to earn the pleasure of Allah and prepare for the eternal life to come.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we realize that time is a precious gift from Allah, and it is constantly passing, never to return. The night and day are a reminder of the fleeting nature of our lives and the urgency to engage in righteous actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to make the most of this limited time by performing good deeds, seeking knowledge, helping others, and striving for self-improvement. Just as the night and day work tirelessly, we too should be diligent in our efforts to worship Allah and serve His creation.

Furthermore, the Hadith teaches us that the night and day also offer opportunities and blessings that we should seize. We should not only focus on the passing of time but also on the blessings and chances that each moment brings. By taking advantage of these opportunities, we can grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. We can use our time to strengthen our relationship with Allah, seek knowledge, engage in acts of charity, and contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of utilizing our time wisely and making the most of the opportunities that come our way. It emphasizes the need to engage in righteous actions and seek the pleasure of Allah. By reflecting on the passing of time and the blessings it brings, we can strive to lead meaningful and purposeful lives as Muslims. May Allah guide us to utilize our time effectively and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.