Hadith #6545

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, "فِي العَجَلِ عِثارٌ۔" which translates to

In haste there is error.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and deliberate in their actions.

The word (ajal) "عَجَلِ" refers to haste or rushing, while (ithar) "عِثَارٌ" means error or mistake. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the negative consequences that can arise from acting hastily without proper consideration and reflection.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is supported by various verses from the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of patience, wisdom, and thoughtfulness in decision-making. In Surah Al-A'raf, verse 199, Allah says,

So take what the Messenger assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you. And fear Allah: for Allah is strict in punishment.

This verse encourages Muslims to carefully follow the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ) and not rush into actions without his guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 36, Allah says,

And do not follow that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds Muslims to refrain from making decisions based on incomplete information or without proper understanding. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and being well-informed before taking any action.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

In haste there is error,

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to avoid rushing into decisions or actions without careful consideration. Acting hastily can lead to mistakes, misunderstandings, and unintended consequences. It is important for Muslims to take the time to reflect, seek guidance, and gather all necessary information before making any important decisions.

For example, in our daily lives, we may encounter situations where we feel pressured to make quick decisions. It could be a financial investment, a career choice, or even a personal relationship. However, if we act hastily without considering all the factors and seeking guidance from Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), we may end up making mistakes that could have been avoided.

Similarly, in matters of faith and religious practices, rushing into interpretations or judgments without proper knowledge and understanding can lead to misunderstandings and deviations from the true teachings of Islam. It is crucial for Muslims to approach religious matters with patience, humility, and a willingness to seek knowledge from authentic sources.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to avoid hasty decisions that can lead to errors. It encourages us to take the time to reflect, seek guidance, and make informed choices in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and patience to avoid haste and strive for excellence in all our endeavors.