Hadith #5906

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) highlights the importance of being right, avoiding errors, and refraining from haste. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound saying in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (isabah) "إصابة" refers to being right or correct, while (salamah) "سلامة" denotes safety or security. On the other hand, (khata') "خطاء" signifies error or mistake, and (malamah) "ملامة" implies reproach or blame. Lastly, (ajal) "عجل" refers to haste or impatience, and (nadamah) "ندامة" conveys regret or remorse.

To understand the significance of being right, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:48):

And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it.

This verse emphasizes the importance of following the truth as revealed by Allah, which leads to safety and salvation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse highlights the need for verifying information and avoiding hasty judgments, as acting upon incorrect or incomplete knowledge can lead to regret and harm.

The second part of the Hadith emphasizes the consequences of errors and mistakes. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11):

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them.

This verse cautions against mocking or belittling others, as it can lead to reproach and damage relationships.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred.

This verse highlights the human tendency to make mistakes and seek forgiveness from Allah. It reminds us to be humble and acknowledge our errors, seeking His forgiveness and guidance.

Lastly, the Hadith warns against haste and impatience. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises in Surah Al-A'raf (7:37):

Then who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or denies His verses? Those will attain their portion of the decree until when Our messengers come to them to take them in death, they will say, 'Where are those you used to invoke besides Allah?' They will say, 'They have departed from us,' and will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers.

This verse cautions against rushing to judgment or making false claims, as it leads to regret and accountability.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of being right, avoiding errors, and refraining from haste. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize seeking the truth, avoiding reproach, and being patient in our actions and decisions. By adhering to these principles, we can attain safety, avoid regret, and strive for righteousness in our lives as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of truth and grant us the wisdom to avoid errors and haste.