Hadith #3141

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا خُلَّةَ أزْرى مِنَ الخُرْقِِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no attribute more belittling than ineptitude.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (khullah) "خُلَّةَ" in this Hadith refers to an attribute or characteristic. It signifies the qualities that define an individual's character and behavior. It encompasses both positive and negative attributes. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting a specific negative attribute, which is (al-khurq) "الخُرْقِ". This term refers to ineptitude, incompetence, or the lack of skill and ability in performing a task or fulfilling a responsibility.

To understand the significance of this statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of competence and proficiency in various aspects of life. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 26, Allah says,

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

In this verse, Prophet Moses (Musa) witnessed a dispute between two men and intervened to resolve the conflict. However, due to his lack of attention and haste, he unintentionally caused the death of one of them. This incident serves as a reminder of the consequences of ineptitude and the importance of being mindful and competent in our actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 55, Allah says,

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding engaging in ignorant or futile discussions. It encourages Muslims to distance themselves from those who engage in baseless arguments and instead focus on their own actions and responsibilities. This highlights the significance of competence and wisdom in our interactions and decision-making processes.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

There is no attribute more belittling than ineptitude,

serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. Incompetence not only hinders personal growth but also affects the well-being of the community. It is through competence and proficiency that individuals can contribute positively to society and fulfill their obligations effectively.

Moreover, this Hadith also sheds light on the importance of seeking knowledge and acquiring skills. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his vast knowledge and wisdom. His emphasis on the detrimental nature of ineptitude highlights the significance of continuous learning and improvement. By acquiring knowledge and honing our skills, we can avoid falling into the trap of incompetence and instead become valuable assets to our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for competence and proficiency in all aspects of their lives. Ineptitude is a belittling attribute that hinders personal growth and affects the well-being of the community. By seeking knowledge, acquiring skills, and being mindful in our actions, we can avoid the pitfalls of incompetence and contribute positively to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and ability to excel in all that we do.