Hadith #2158

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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:

إذَا اقْتَرَنَ العَزْمُ بِالحَزْمِ كَمُلَتِ السَّعادَةُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

When judiciousness is coupled with determination, felicity becomes complete.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (azm) "عَزْمُ" refers to determination or resolve, while (hazm) "حَزْمِ" refers to judiciousness or decisiveness. The word (sa'adah) "سَّعادَةُ" translates to felicity or happiness.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of determination in several verses. In Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah says,

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse highlights the significance of determination in attaining success and felicity in this world and the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:15), Allah states,

Whoever thinks that Allah will not support him in this world and the Hereafter - let him extend a rope to the ceiling, then cut off [his breath], and let him see: will his effort remove that which enrages [him]?

This verse emphasizes the need for determination and effort in facing challenges and seeking Allah's support.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully complements these Quranic teachings. It highlights that true felicity and happiness can only be achieved when determination is coupled with judiciousness.

Determination alone may lead to rash decisions and actions, while judiciousness alone may result in indecisiveness and lack of progress. However, when these two qualities are combined, they create a harmonious balance that leads to true success and fulfillment.

For example, imagine a person who possesses determination but lacks judiciousness. They may embark on a path without considering the consequences or evaluating the best course of action. This can lead to hasty decisions and potential harm to oneself and others. On the other hand, someone who is judicious but lacks determination may hesitate and procrastinate, missing out on opportunities for growth and improvement.

By coupling determination with judiciousness, one can make informed decisions, set achievable goals, and persistently work towards them. This combination allows individuals to navigate challenges and overcome obstacles with wisdom and resilience. It enables them to make choices that align with their values and principles, while also considering the well-being of others.

In the context of leadership, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified the perfect embodiment of determination coupled with judiciousness. His unwavering determination in upholding justice and truth was complemented by his wise and thoughtful decision-making. His knowledge and understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) guided his actions, ensuring that justice was served and the rights of all individuals were protected.

The consequences of coupling determination with judiciousness are far-reaching. It leads to personal growth, as individuals become more self-aware and develop the ability to make sound decisions. It also fosters harmonious relationships, as judiciousness allows for empathy and understanding, while determination ensures that one's rights are respected.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. By combining determination with judiciousness, we can achieve success not only in our worldly endeavors but also in our spiritual journey. It reminds us that true felicity lies in aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam and seeking Allah's pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when determination is coupled with judiciousness, felicity becomes complete. It emphasizes the importance of balance and wisdom in decision-making, urging Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. By following this guidance, we can navigate challenges, achieve success, and ultimately attain true happiness and fulfillment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and seek His pleasure in all our endeavors.