Hadith #1395

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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) states,

مَنْ إتَّأدَ أمِنَ مِنَ الزَّلَلِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who acts without haste is saved from mistakes.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ittada) "إتَّأدَ" in this Hadith refers to acting or proceeding with haste or impatience. It implies rushing into actions without proper consideration or thoughtfulness. On the other hand, the word (zalal) "الزَّلَلِ" refers to mistakes, errors, or slips. Therefore, the Hadith emphasizes the importance of avoiding haste in our actions to prevent making mistakes.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with the guidance provided by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Quran. Allah repeatedly reminds us to be patient, thoughtful, and deliberate in our actions. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), Allah says,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of not rushing into actions that may lead to corruption or harm.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah advises us,

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 need for knowledge and understanding before taking any action. It warns against acting impulsively without proper knowledge, as it can lead to regrettable consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and to exercise patience and thoughtfulness. When we rush into decisions or actions without considering the potential outcomes, we are more likely to make mistakes or cause harm to ourselves and others. By taking the time to carefully evaluate our choices, we can avoid unnecessary errors and regrets.

For example, in our daily lives, we may encounter situations where we are tempted to react impulsively out of anger or frustration. However, if we take a moment to calm ourselves, reflect on the situation, and consider the potential consequences of our actions, we can make more informed and wise decisions. This can prevent us from saying or doing something that we may later regret.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before acting. By acquiring knowledge and seeking guidance from reliable sources, we can make informed decisions and avoid falling into errors. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of seeking knowledge and understanding as a means of guidance and protection from mistakes.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah says,

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding, as it leads to goodness and righteousness. It reminds us that true wisdom comes from Allah, and those who possess it are the ones who truly understand and remember.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of avoiding haste in our actions to prevent mistakes. It reminds us to be patient, thoughtful, and deliberate in our decision-making process. By reflecting on the consequences of our actions and seeking knowledge and understanding, we can make wise choices and avoid unnecessary errors. May Allah grant us the wisdom and guidance to act with patience and thoughtfulness in all aspects of our lives.