Hadith #6524

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "العَجْزُ سَبَبُ التَّضْييعِ", which translates to

Inability is a cause of loss.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of recognizing and addressing our limitations in order to avoid failure and loss.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The term (al-'ajz) "العَجْزُ" refers to the state of being unable or incapable. It signifies the absence of strength, power, or ability to accomplish a task or overcome a challenge. This can manifest in various aspects of our lives, such as physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual limitations.

The word (sabab) "سَبَبُ" means a cause or reason. It implies that the state of inability is not merely a consequence but rather a root cause of loss. It suggests that when we are unable to fulfill our responsibilities or achieve our goals due to our limitations, it can lead to negative outcomes, missed opportunities, and ultimately, loss.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of recognizing our limitations and seeking His assistance in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, knows our capabilities and does not place upon us burdens that exceed our capacity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah states,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart.

This verse highlights the detrimental consequences of disputes and disagreements, which can weaken our resolve and diminish our abilities.

Reflecting upon these Quranic verses in light of the Hadith, we can understand that acknowledging our limitations is not a sign of weakness, but rather a recognition of our human nature. It is through this recognition that we can seek Allah's guidance, support, and mercy to overcome our shortcomings and avoid the loss that may result from our inability.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of self-awareness and humility. By acknowledging our limitations, we can make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and seek assistance when needed. This self-awareness allows us to avoid overburdening ourselves and falling into the trap of failure and loss.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the valuable lesson that inability can be a cause of loss. By recognizing our limitations and seeking Allah's guidance, we can navigate through life with wisdom and humility, avoiding unnecessary failures and losses. May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this profound teaching in our lives.