Hadith #2185

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's promises and not procrastinating in completing tasks. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ahzamu) "أحْزَمُ" in the Hadith refers to the most judicious or wise person. This person possesses the quality of being decisive and firm in their actions. They are not swayed by indecisiveness or procrastination. This quality is highly regarded in Islam as it reflects a strong sense of responsibility and reliability.

The word (ra'yan) "رَأْياً" in the Hadith means someone who is prudent and thoughtful in their decision-making. This person carefully considers the consequences and implications of their actions before making a commitment. They are not hasty or impulsive but rather exercise wisdom and foresight.

The phrase (man anjaza wa'dahu) "مَنْ أنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ" in the Hadith refers to someone who fulfills their promises. In Islam, fulfilling one's promises is a fundamental ethical principle. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:1)

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts

Honoring our commitments is a sign of integrity and trustworthiness.

The phrase (walam yu'akhkhir 'amala yawmihi li-ghadihi)

ولَمْ يُؤَخِّرْ عَمَلَ يَوْمِهِ لِغَدِهِ

in the Hadith means not to postpone or delay one's work from today to tomorrow. This highlights the importance of being proactive and diligent in our daily tasks. Islam encourages us to seize the opportunities of the present moment and not to procrastinate, as tomorrow is uncertain. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:282)

And do not postpone [repayment] indefinitely

Delaying our responsibilities can lead to negligence and a lack of productivity.

To further understand the significance of fulfilling promises and avoiding procrastination, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:1)

O you who have believed, fulfill your contracts. Lawful for you are the animals of grazing livestock except for that which is recited to you [in this Qur'an] - hunting not being permitted while you are in the state of ihram. Indeed, Allah ordains what He intends

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling contracts and obligations, which includes promises made to others.

Additionally, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:83)

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing

This verse highlights the consequences of breaking promises and turning away from fulfilling obligations. It serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of upholding their commitments.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand that fulfilling promises and avoiding procrastination are not only ethical principles but also acts of worship. By fulfilling our promises, we uphold the values of integrity and trustworthiness. By avoiding procrastination, we demonstrate diligence and productivity. These qualities are essential for personal growth, building strong relationships, and contributing positively to society.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of being decisive, fulfilling our promises, and not delaying our responsibilities. By embodying these qualities, we strive to become better Muslims and fulfill our obligations towards Allah and our fellow human beings.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to fulfill our promises and be proactive in our actions. May He bless us with the ability to seize the opportunities of today and not postpone them to tomorrow. Ameen.