Hadith #1396

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا إصابَةَ لِمَنْ لا أناةَ لَهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of deliberateness and careful consideration in achieving success. To fully understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (isabah) "إصابَةَ" refers to success, attainment, or achievement. It signifies reaching a desired goal or outcome. Success is not merely a matter of chance or luck, but rather a result of deliberate actions and conscious effort.

The word (la) "لا" negates the possibility of something. In this context, it negates the possibility of success.

The word (anah) "أناةَ" refers to deliberateness, thoughtfulness, or careful consideration. It implies taking the time to analyze and plan before taking action. It is the opposite of impulsive or hasty behavior.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support and shed light on the meaning of this Hadith.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:190-191),

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the importance of pondering over the signs of Allah's creation. It encourages believers to reflect on the purpose and wisdom behind the existence of the heavens and the earth. By doing so, they attain a deeper understanding of Allah's greatness and His divine plan. This reflection and contemplation are essential elements of deliberateness.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse urges believers to be conscious of their actions and to consider the consequences of their choices. It emphasizes the importance of planning and preparing for the future, both in this life and the Hereafter. Deliberateness in our actions ensures that we are mindful of our responsibilities and strive to make decisions that align with the teachings of Islam.

Now, let us reflect on the essence of Imam Ali's statement. He is reminding us that success cannot be achieved without deliberate and thoughtful actions. It is not enough to simply go through life without purpose or direction. We must take the time to reflect on our goals, plan our actions, and consider the consequences of our choices.

Deliberateness encompasses various aspects of our lives. It includes seeking knowledge and understanding, making informed decisions, and acting with wisdom and foresight. It requires us to be mindful of our intentions, actions, and the impact they have on ourselves and others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His life serves as a shining example of the importance of deliberateness. He meticulously studied the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and implemented them in every aspect of his life. His decisions were guided by his deep understanding of the Quran and the Sunnah. This deliberate approach to life allowed him to achieve great success and become a role model for Muslims throughout history.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that success is not a matter of chance or luck. It is a result of deliberate actions, careful consideration, and conscious effort. By reflecting on the signs of Allah's creation, planning for the future, and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam, we can strive for true success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be deliberate in our actions and bless us with success in all our endeavors.