The Book Concerning the Use of Correct Words

Author: Sahih Muslim | Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 2246 b

Divine Commentary on the Hadith

This sacred tradition reveals a profound theological truth concerning Allah's relationship with time. When Allah declares "I am Dahr," this is not to be understood as literal identification with created time, but rather as an affirmation of His absolute sovereignty over temporal existence.

The displeasure mentioned stems from humanity's attribution of misfortunes to time itself, rather than recognizing that all events occur by Divine decree and wisdom. To curse time is essentially to object to Allah's perfect arrangement of affairs.

Scholarly Explanation

Imam Nawawi explains that Dahr refers to time, and Allah's statement "I am Dahr" means He is the Creator and Controller of time, the One who alternates night and day and governs all temporal affairs. The attribution of evil to time constitutes ingratitude toward the Divine dispensation.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani clarifies that this hadith teaches proper attribution: all good and evil in time proceeds from Allah's wisdom and decree. To rail against time is to implicitly complain against the One who ordained it.

Spiritual Implications

The believer should receive all circumstances with patient acceptance, recognizing that whatever occurs in time is from Allah's perfect wisdom. This understanding cultivates contentment with Divine decree and protects against the spiritual poison of resentment.

Proper speech reflects proper belief - thus the prohibition against cursing time serves to purify both outward expression and inward conviction regarding Allah's absolute sovereignty over all affairs.