Hadith #6364

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of reserving the best times and portions for our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this enlightening saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (afdala) "أفْضَلَ" in the Hadith means the best or most excellent. It signifies the importance of giving priority and preference to our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over all other matters. This word highlights the need to allocate the finest moments and resources for our spiritual growth and devotion.

The term (al-mawāqīt) "المَواقيتِ" refers to times or moments. It reminds us to choose the most opportune occasions for engaging in acts of worship and seeking nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These moments could include the early hours of the day, the last third of the night, or the blessed times during the day such as the time of prayer.

Furthermore, the word (al-aqsām) "الأقْسامِ" denotes portions or shares. It signifies the need to allocate the best portions of our resources, such as wealth, knowledge, and abilities, for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This implies that we should not only dedicate our time but also our material possessions and talents to serve Allah and benefit others.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support and reinforce the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:2-4):

Stand (to pray) all night, except for a little - Half of it - or subtract from it a little. Or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation.

These verses highlight the importance of dedicating a significant portion of the night for prayer and recitation of the Quran. They encourage us to go beyond the minimum requirements and strive for excellence in our worship.

Similarly, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.

This verse emphasizes the need to remember Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) at all times, especially during the best moments of the day - the mornings and the evenings. It reminds us to allocate these precious times for reflection, supplication, and seeking closeness to our Creator.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in our daily lives. It encourages us to seize the best moments and dedicate the best portions of our resources for acts of worship, remembrance, and seeking nearness to Allah. By doing so, we strengthen our spiritual connection and enhance our journey towards righteousness.

For example, we can reserve the early hours of the day for recitation of the Quran and reflection, as it is a time of tranquility and focus. We can allocate a portion of our wealth for charitable causes, knowing that giving for the sake of Allah multiplies our blessings. Additionally, we can prioritize attending congregational prayers and engaging in acts of kindness and service to others during the most blessed times of the day.

By following the guidance of this Hadith and the Quranic verses, we can cultivate a deep sense of devotion and spirituality in our lives. We become more conscious of our actions, intentions, and the impact they have on our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This exegesis serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for excellence in their worship and to allocate the best times and portions for their connection with Allah, the Glorified. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement this wisdom in our lives and attain His pleasure.