Exposition of the Prohibition

The noble hadith from the compilation "Al-Adab Al-Mufrad" (Hadith 769) by Imam al-Bukhari contains a profound prohibition. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade cursing time (ad-dahr) because Allah is the Creator and Controller of time. When one curses time, it is as if they are cursing the Divine Decree and the One who orchestrates all events within time.

Theological Significance

The statement "Allah is time (ad-Dahr)" does not mean Allah is identical with the created concept of time. Rather, it means that Allah is the Master of time, the One who directs its affairs and determines what occurs within it. This interpretation preserves Allah's transcendence while acknowledging His absolute sovereignty over temporal affairs.

Scholars explain that attributing misfortunes to "time" implies a denial of divine wisdom and predestination. The believer should instead attribute events to their true Source - Allah Almighty - and recognize that whatever befalls them is by His permission and wisdom.

Practical Guidance

This teaching trains the believer in proper spiritual etiquette. When facing difficulties, one should not say "Time has betrayed me" or "How wretched is this era!" Instead, the believer should say "Allah has decreed" and seek reward through patience, knowing that all matters return to Allah's perfect wisdom.

The prohibition extends to common expressions people use when disappointed, reminding Muslims that their speech should always reflect proper understanding of divine causality and submission to Allah's will.