Hadith #6533

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Haste is dispraised in every affair except in that which repels evil.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the importance of patience and deliberation in our actions and decision-making processes. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance in the light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the word (haste) "عَجَلَةُ" in this Hadith. Haste refers to acting or making decisions quickly without due consideration or thoughtfulness. It implies a lack of patience and deliberation, often leading to undesirable outcomes. The word (dispraised) "مَذْمُومَةٌ" signifies that haste is generally discouraged and looked down upon in various matters of life.

To understand the wisdom behind this teaching, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:36),

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge and understanding before taking any action. Acting hastily without proper knowledge can lead to negative consequences and regret.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:235), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises believers regarding divorce, saying,

There is no blame upon you for that to which you [indirectly] allude concerning a proposal to women or for what you conceal within yourselves. Allah knows that you will have them in mind. But do not promise them secretly except for saying a proper saying.

This verse highlights the significance of careful consideration and thoughtfulness in matters as crucial as divorce. It discourages hasty decisions and encourages believers to weigh their options and make informed choices.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that haste is permissible and even commendable in situations where it serves to repel evil. This means that if there is an urgent need to prevent harm or protect oneself or others from danger, acting swiftly becomes necessary and praiseworthy. In such cases, haste is not only justified but also a means of fulfilling our duty to promote goodness and prevent evil.

To illustrate this point, we can refer to the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran. When Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was seduced by the wife of the Aziz, he immediately sought refuge in Allah and hastened to flee from the situation. In Surah Yusuf (12:24), Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) says,

And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants.

Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acted swiftly to repel the evil that was presented to him, demonstrating the importance of timely action in such circumstances.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of patience and deliberation in our actions and decision-making processes. It reminds us to avoid acting hastily in most matters, as it often leads to undesirable outcomes. However, it also highlights the importance of swift action in situations where it is necessary to repel evil and prevent harm. By understanding and applying this wisdom in our lives, we can strive to make sound and well-considered choices, ultimately leading to positive and beneficial outcomes. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and patience to act thoughtfully and protect ourselves and others from harm.