In Wisdom 390, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) delineates the division of a believer's time into three essential segments. This wisdom highlights the importance of the moments when a person engages in intimate conversations with their Lord, manages their livelihood, and indulges in lawful and pure pleasures. These three aspects are fundamental elements of human life that cater to spiritual, economic, and psychological needs.
Historically, this wisdom is set in a context where Imam Ali (peace be upon him) emphasized the significance of ethics and spiritual training within Islamic society. During his era, Muslims needed to understand the importance of not only adhering to religious teachings but also maintaining balance in worldly life.
Key phrases in this wisdom include "the believer's time is divided into three hours," which indicates that a believer's life encompasses three critical dimensions. In the first hour, the individual engages in supplication and connection with their Lord, which serves as a source of spiritual peace and closeness. In the second hour, they focus on their livelihood, essential for fulfilling worldly needs. The third hour allows them to enjoy pure and lawful pleasures, a natural aspect of human existence.
The moral and spiritual lesson here is that one should maintain balance in life. It is not appropriate to be solely engaged in worship or only in worldly affairs. Furthermore, it is clear that a wise person should only venture away from home for these three purposes: to arrange their livelihood, to prepare for the afterlife, or to seek lawful enjoyment.
Practically, this wisdom teaches us to consider these three aspects in our daily lives. We should be mindful of our spiritual relationships, economic responsibilities, and psychological joys. This balance will lead us to a successful and fulfilling life.
