Hadith #1385

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التَّأنّي يُوجِبُ الإستِظهارَ۔" This can be translated as,

Deliberateness brings about assurance.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (ta'anni) "التَّأنّي" in this Hadith refers to the act of being deliberate, cautious, and thoughtful in one's actions. It implies taking the time to carefully consider the consequences and potential outcomes before making a decision or taking any step. This quality of being deliberate is highly valued in Islam as it leads to wisdom, prudence, and certainty.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of deliberation in the Quran. In Surah Al-Imran (3:159), Allah says,

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

This verse highlights the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) deliberate and consultative approach in dealing with his companions. It teaches us the importance of seeking counsel and taking the time to make well-thought-out decisions.

Furthermore, 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 for verification and investigation before accepting and acting upon any information. It encourages Muslims to be deliberate in their judgment and actions, so as to avoid causing harm or regret.

Now, let us reflect on the consequences and benefits of practicing deliberateness in our lives. When we approach matters with thoughtfulness and careful consideration, we are more likely to make wise decisions that align with the teachings of Islam. Deliberateness helps us avoid impulsive actions that may lead to negative consequences or regret. It allows us to weigh the potential outcomes and choose the path that is most pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, deliberateness fosters a sense of assurance and confidence in our actions. When we take the time to thoroughly analyze a situation and make informed choices, we can be more certain of the righteousness and correctness of our decisions. This assurance stems from the fact that we have sought guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and have made efforts to align our actions with the principles of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of deliberateness in our lives. By being deliberate and thoughtful in our actions, we can attain assurance and certainty. This quality is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the significance of seeking counsel, investigating information, and making well-thought-out decisions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to practice deliberateness in all aspects of our lives.