ثَمَرَةُ العَجْزِ فَوْتُ الطَّلَبِ۔
The fruit of inability is losing what is sought.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Inability)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.
The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:
ثَمَرَةُ العَجْزِ فَوْتُ الطَّلَبِ۔
This can be translated as:
The fruit of inability is losing what is sought.
Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.
The word (inability) "عَجْزِ" refers to the state of being weak or incapable of achieving a desired goal. It signifies a lack of strength, power, or ability to accomplish something. In the context of this Hadith, it represents the inability to strive and make efforts towards attaining what one seeks.
The word (losing) "فَوْتُ" refers to missing out on or failing to obtain what is sought. It implies the loss or deprivation of something valuable or desired due to one's inability or lack of effort.
When we reflect upon this Hadith, we find that it highlights the importance of actively seeking and striving for our goals. It reminds us that if we are unable or unwilling to make the necessary efforts, we will inevitably lose out on what we desire.
In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of striving and making efforts in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Insan (76:3), Allah says,
Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.
This verse indicates that guidance is available to those who actively seek it and are grateful for it.
Similarly, in Surah An-Nisa (4:32), Allah says,
And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned.
This verse highlights the importance of earning and striving for what one desires, rather than simply wishing for it without putting in any effort.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah says,
And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.
This verse emphasizes the need for a firm resolve and effort in both entering and leaving any endeavor, seeking Allah's support and sustenance along the way.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively strive and make efforts in all aspects of their lives. It encourages us to seek knowledge, pursue our goals, and work towards the betterment of ourselves and society.
If we are passive and do not make the necessary efforts, we risk losing out on the blessings and opportunities that Allah has placed in our path. Just as a fruit will wither and rot if it is not harvested in due time, our aspirations and desires will remain unfulfilled if we do not actively pursue them.
Therefore, this Hadith calls upon Muslims to embrace the spirit of determination, perseverance, and proactivity. It urges us to utilize our God-given abilities and resources to strive for excellence in all our endeavors. By doing so, we can maximize our potential, achieve our goals, and ultimately attain success in this world and the Hereafter.
May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to actively seek what is beneficial and guide us on the path of righteousness. May we never lose sight of our goals and always strive to make the most of the opportunities presented to us. Ameen.
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