Hadith #8334

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لَيْسَ كُلُّ غائِب يَؤُُوُبُ۔

This phrase can be translated as

Not everything that has gone comes back.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (gha'ib) "غائِب" in this Hadith refers to something that is absent or has gone away. It implies the absence of something or someone from our lives, whether it be a physical presence or an intangible aspect. It could refer to the loss of a loved one, the passing of time, or the fading of an opportunity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 156,

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ

which translates to,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse highlights the reality of life's challenges and losses. It reminds us that we will inevitably face difficulties, whether they be in the form of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, or loss of loved ones. These losses are part of the test that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has ordained for us. They are a means to purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and remind us of the transient nature of this world.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 81, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

وَقُلْ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَزَهَقَ الْبَاطِلُ ۚ إِنَّ الْبَاطِلَ كَانَ زَهُوقًا

which translates to,

And say, 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of falsehood and the eventual departure of anything that is not based on truth. It serves as a reminder that everything in this world, whether it is material possessions, worldly desires, or even our own lives, will eventually fade away. The only constant is the truth, which is eternal and everlasting.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. He reminds us that not everything that has gone will come back. Losses and absences in our lives are a reality that we must accept. We cannot cling to the past or dwell on what is no longer present. Instead, we must focus on the present moment and strive to make the most of what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has blessed us with.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages us to let go of attachments to the transient and embrace the eternal truth. It reminds us to seek solace and contentment in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to find strength in the knowledge that everything in this world is temporary. By doing so, we can navigate the challenges of life with patience, gratitude, and unwavering faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us a profound lesson about the transient nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal truth. It reminds us that losses and absences are part of life's tests and that we should not cling to what has gone. Instead, we should embrace the present moment and strive to strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek solace in His remembrance. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and apply this lesson in our lives.