Hadith #6553

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 Arabic phrase of the Hadith is "مَنْ عَجِلَ زَلَّ۔" which translates to

One who makes haste, errs.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ajila) "عَجِلَ" in Arabic means to hasten or rush. It refers to acting without careful consideration or thoughtfulness. The word (zalla) "زَلَّ" means to err or make a mistake. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the connection between hastiness and error, emphasizing the importance of patience, deliberation, and wisdom in our actions and decisions.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds resonance in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of patience, reflection, and careful consideration. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:169), Allah says,

And [recall] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

This verse reminds us that rushing into ingratitude and denial of Allah's blessings can lead to severe consequences. It urges us to reflect on the blessings bestowed upon us and to be patient in expressing gratitude. Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:11), Allah advises,

And man prays for evil as he ought to pray for good, and man is ever hasty.

Here, Allah warns us about the tendency of human beings to hastily desire and pray for things that may be harmful or against our best interests. It reminds us to exercise patience and seek Allah's guidance before making decisions or asking for things.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also aligns with the Quranic teachings on the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before acting. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah says,

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.

This verse emphasizes the need to verify information and seek knowledge before acting upon it. It cautions against blindly accepting and acting upon rumors or misinformation, which can lead to harm and regret. It encourages Muslims to be patient, thoughtful, and discerning in their actions.

The consequences of haste can be far-reaching and detrimental. Making decisions without proper consideration can lead to mistakes, misunderstandings, and even harm to oneself and others. For example, hastily entering into a business partnership without conducting due diligence can result in financial loss. Rushing into a marriage without understanding the compatibility and shared values can lead to marital discord.

On the other hand, patience and careful consideration lead to better outcomes. Taking the time to gather information, seek advice, and reflect on the consequences of our actions allows us to make informed decisions. This aligns with the Islamic concept of "tadabbur," which means deep contemplation and reflection on the signs of Allah in the universe.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of patience, thoughtfulness, and seeking knowledge. His statement serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to avoid haste in their actions and decisions, and to strive for wisdom and understanding in all aspects of life.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be patient, reflective, and wise in our actions, and protect us from the errors that arise from haste. Ameen.