Hadith #3140

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا خُلْقَ أشيَنُ مِنَ الخُرْقِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no quality more disgraceful than ineptitude.

In order to understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (khulq) "خُلْقَ" refers to a person's character or disposition. It encompasses the qualities and traits that define an individual's behavior and actions. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses both positive and negative attributes.

The word (ashyan) "أشيَنُ" means disgraceful or despicable. It refers to qualities or traits that are morally reprehensible and bring shame or dishonor to an individual. These are traits that are universally condemned and are contrary to the teachings of Islam.

Finally, the word (al-khurq) "الخُرْقِ" refers to ineptitude or incompetence. It signifies a lack of skill, knowledge, or ability in performing a particular task or fulfilling a responsibility. It is a quality that hinders progress, undermines success, and leads to failure.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14, states,

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

This verse highlights the consequences of ineptitude and the importance of competence. Prophet Musa (Moses) unintentionally killed a man due to his lack of control and judgment in a moment of conflict. This incident serves as a reminder of the grave consequences that can arise from incompetence and the need for individuals to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate challenging situations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in all our endeavors. It highlights the need for individuals to possess the necessary competence and strength to face the challenges of life. By seeking Allah's assistance and relying on His sustaining power, we can overcome our weaknesses and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. Ineptitude, or a lack of competence, is a quality that hinders progress and brings disgrace to an individual. It prevents them from fulfilling their responsibilities and achieving success in their endeavors. It is a quality that is condemned in Islam, as it goes against the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in our respective fields. He encourages us to strive for excellence and to avoid the disgraceful quality of ineptitude. By doing so, we can fulfill our responsibilities, contribute positively to society, and ultimately seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for competence and excellence in all aspects of their lives. It highlights the importance of acquiring knowledge, developing skills, and avoiding the disgraceful quality of ineptitude. By seeking Allah's guidance and relying on His sustaining power, we can overcome our weaknesses and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to excel in all our endeavors.