Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: The son of Adam causes Me pain as he says: Woe be upon the Time. None of you should say this: Woe be upon the Time, as I am the Time (because) I alternate the day and the night, and when I wish I can finish them up.
The Book Concerning the Use of Correct Words
Sahih Muslim 2246 c
Hadith Text
Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: The son of Adam causes Me pain as he says: Woe be upon the Time. None of you should say this: Woe be upon the Time, as I am the Time (because) I alternate the day and the night, and when I wish I can finish them up.
Commentary
This sacred tradition (hadith qudsi) reveals the divine displeasure when humans attribute their misfortunes to time (ad-dahr). Allah declares Himself to be the true Master of Time, the One who orchestrates all temporal affairs.
The prohibition stems from two grave errors: first, it constitutes a form of shirk (associating partners with Allah) by ascribing creative power to time; second, it reflects ingratitude and impatience with divine decree (qadar).
When Allah says "I am Time," He affirms His complete control over temporal phenomena - the alternation of day and night, seasons, and all events within time's domain. This statement establishes that all temporal occurrences proceed from His wisdom and command.
The believer should instead attribute events directly to Allah's will, saying "What Allah has willed has occurred" rather than cursing abstract concepts. This teaching cultivates proper tawhid (monotheism) and patient acceptance of divine decree.
Practical Implications
Avoid expressions like "Time has betrayed me" or "This is an unlucky time," instead saying "Allah has decreed this for me."
Recognize that all temporal conditions - both favorable and challenging - are from Allah's wisdom and contain potential blessings.
Develop contentment with divine timing, understanding that Allah's management of affairs surpasses human comprehension.