Hadith #6522

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, "العَجْزُ إضاعَةٌ۔" This can be translated into English as "Inability is waste." Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (inability) "عَجْزُ" refers to the state of being incapable or lacking the power to perform a certain action. It implies weakness and helplessness in achieving a desired outcome. On the other hand, the word (waste) "إضاعَةٌ" signifies the loss or squandering of something valuable or beneficial.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 4:32)

And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing

This verse highlights the importance of utilizing one's abilities and not desiring what others possess. It emphasizes that each individual has been granted unique skills and capabilities by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Therefore, it is crucial to recognize and make the most of our own abilities instead of being envious or feeling inadequate due to the abilities of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, "Inability is waste," serves as a reminder to Muslims that failing to utilize our God-given talents and potential is a squandering of the blessings bestowed upon us. It encourages us to strive for excellence and to maximize our abilities in order to fulfill our responsibilities and contribute positively to society.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of taking action and making efforts to achieve our goals. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience

This verse highlights the significance of righteous actions and the importance of utilizing our abilities to do good deeds. It reminds us that inaction and inability to act upon the truth will lead to loss. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to recognize their capabilities and strive to make a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a motivation for Muslims to overcome their limitations and push themselves beyond their perceived boundaries. It encourages us to seek knowledge, develop skills, and work towards self-improvement. By doing so, we can fulfill our potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the consequences of wasting our abilities. When we fail to utilize our talents and potential, we not only deprive ourselves of personal growth and success but also miss out on opportunities to benefit others. It is a loss for both ourselves and the community around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), "Inability is waste," serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to recognize and utilize their abilities. It encourages us to strive for excellence, take action, and make the most of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can fulfill our responsibilities, contribute positively to society, and ultimately attain success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to make the most of our abilities.