Hadith #3494

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,

Turning backward is evinced by four things: bad planning, foul extravagance, lack of consideration, and too many excuses.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of turning away from the right path and the factors that contribute to this regression.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. "Istidal" refers to turning backward or deviating from the right course. "Suu' at-tadbir" signifies bad planning or making decisions that lead to negative outcomes. "Qubhut-tabzir" denotes foul extravagance, which refers to excessive spending or wastefulness. "Qillatul-i'tibar" signifies a lack of consideration or thoughtfulness in one's actions. Finally, "kathratul-i'thār" refers to too many excuses or justifications for one's shortcomings.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18) about the consequences of deviating from the right path, saying,

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.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:84), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of good planning and wise decision-making, stating,

And say, 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of bad planning, foul extravagance, lack of consideration, and too many excuses. When we fail to plan properly, we are more likely to encounter difficulties and setbacks. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran (3:160) that success is attained through proper planning and preparation, saying,

If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.

Foul extravagance, or excessive spending without consideration for the consequences, is condemned in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Isra (17:29) about the dangers of extravagance, saying,

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

Lack of consideration, or acting without thoughtfulness, can lead to hasty decisions and regret. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6) to be mindful of our actions and their consequences, saying,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

Lastly, making too many excuses for our shortcomings is a sign of weakness and a lack of accountability. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:108) that we should take responsibility for our actions, saying,

That is more suitable that they will give the testimony according to its [true] objective, or [at least] they would fear that [other] oaths might be taken after their oaths. And fear Allah and listen; and Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and decisions. It warns against bad planning, foul extravagance, lack of consideration, and too many excuses, all of which contribute to turning away from the right path. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to make better choices and avoid the pitfalls that lead to regression. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and grant us the wisdom to make sound decisions.