Hadith #11250

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 righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التَّواني إضاعَةٌ۔" This can be translated as,

Lethargy is wastage [of one’s lifetime].

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

The word (tawani) "تَوَانِي" refers to a state of laziness, sluggishness, or inactivity. It implies a lack of motivation, energy, and productivity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that such lethargy is not only unproductive but also a waste of the precious time that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 ayah emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time wisely and engaging in righteous deeds. It serves as a reminder that wasting our time in idleness and laziness will lead to loss and regret. Instead, we are encouraged to believe in Allah, perform good deeds, and encourage one another towards truth and patience.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of the successful believers. Among these qualities is the avoidance of laziness and wasting time. Allah says, (Quran 23:1-11)

Indeed, the believers have succeeded: those who are humble in their prayers, and those who turn away from ill speech, and those who are observant of zakah, and those who guard their private parts, except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed - but whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors - and those who are faithful to their trusts and their promises and those who are observant of their prayers. Those are the inheritors who will inherit Paradise. They will abide therein eternally.

This ayah highlights the importance of being diligent in our prayers, refraining from sinful speech and actions, fulfilling our obligations, and being trustworthy. It emphasizes the significance of utilizing our time and energy in fulfilling our responsibilities and commitments, rather than wasting them in idleness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that lethargy is not only a waste of time but also a hindrance to our spiritual growth and development. When we are inactive and unmotivated, we fail to make progress in our journey towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We miss out on opportunities for self-improvement, acquiring knowledge, and serving others.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see its relevance in our daily lives. How often do we find ourselves wasting time on trivial matters, procrastinating, or indulging in activities that do not contribute to our well-being or the betterment of society? Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be mindful of our actions and to strive for productivity and growth.

Let us take inspiration from the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the guidance of the Quran. May we strive to overcome lethargy and utilize our time and energy in fulfilling our responsibilities, seeking knowledge, and performing righteous deeds. By doing so, we can make the most of the precious gift of life that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us.