Hadith #7988

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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, "صَلاحُ العَيْشِ التَّدْبيرُ۔" This can be translated as,

Management [and planning] makes life good.

In this concise statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of proper management and planning in leading a successful and fulfilling life.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. "صَلاحُ" refers to righteousness, goodness, and rectification. It encompasses the idea of achieving a state of well-being and prosperity. "العَيْشِ" refers to life, encompassing both the material and spiritual aspects of existence. And finally, "التَّدْبيرُ" refers to management, planning, and organization.

In order to understand the significance of management and planning in making life good, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of planning and organization in various aspects of life.

One example is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:60), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy.

This verse highlights the importance of strategic planning and preparation in times of conflict. By properly managing their resources and devising effective strategies, Muslims can overcome their adversaries and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Another example is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse reminds us of the importance of balancing our worldly affairs with our spiritual aspirations. By managing our time, resources, and priorities wisely, we can lead a balanced life that encompasses both material success and spiritual growth.

From these Quranic examples, we can understand that management and planning are not only essential for worldly matters but also for our spiritual well-being. By effectively managing our time, resources, and priorities, we can achieve success in both this life and the Hereafter.

Applying this understanding to the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see that he is emphasizing the importance of taking charge of our lives and actively planning for our success. Just as proper management and planning are crucial in various aspects of life, they are equally important in leading a righteous and fulfilling life.

By managing our time effectively, we can prioritize our religious obligations and ensure that we dedicate sufficient time for worship, seeking knowledge, and serving others. By planning our finances wisely, we can avoid extravagance and fulfill our obligations towards our families, communities, and those in need. By organizing our goals and aspirations, we can work towards personal growth, self-improvement, and contributing positively to society.

Furthermore, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that a lack of management and planning can have negative consequences. Without proper organization and foresight, we may find ourselves overwhelmed, stressed, and unable to fulfill our responsibilities effectively. We may also miss out on opportunities for growth and success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of management and planning in leading a successful and fulfilling life. By effectively managing our time, resources, and priorities, we can achieve righteousness, prosperity, and balance in both this life and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to manage our lives in a way that pleases Him and brings us closer to Him.