Hadith #8693

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic phrase of the Hadith is "مَنْ قَصَّرَ عابَ۔" which translates to

One who falls short is deficient.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (qassara) "قَصَّرَ" means to fall short or to be deficient. It implies a failure to fulfill one's obligations or to meet the required standards. The word (aaba) "عابَ" refers to a person who is deficient or lacking in some aspect. Hence, this Hadith highlights the importance of not falling short in fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of fulfilling our duties and not falling short. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 1, Allah says,

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.

This verse reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our commitments and obligations, whether they are contracts, promises, or responsibilities towards others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in fulfilling our duties and responsibilities. It reminds us to seek strength and steadfastness from Allah to avoid falling short in our obligations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith is emphasizing the need for Muslims to be diligent and conscientious in fulfilling their duties. Falling short or being deficient in fulfilling our obligations can have serious consequences. It can lead to a breakdown in trust, harm relationships, and negatively impact our own spiritual growth.

For example, if a person falls short in fulfilling their financial obligations, it can lead to financial difficulties for themselves and others. If a person falls short in fulfilling their duties towards their family, it can result in strained relationships and emotional distress. Similarly, if a person falls short in fulfilling their religious obligations, it can hinder their spiritual growth and distance them from Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is reminding us of the importance of striving for excellence in all aspects of our lives. He is urging us to be mindful of our responsibilities and to avoid falling short. By doing so, we can uphold our integrity, strengthen our relationships, and grow closer to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

One who falls short is deficient

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be diligent and conscientious in fulfilling their obligations. It highlights the importance of striving for excellence in all aspects of our lives and avoiding any deficiencies in our responsibilities. By doing so, we can uphold our integrity, strengthen our relationships, and grow closer to Allah. May Allah guide us all to fulfill our duties and obligations with excellence.