Hadith #3960

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states that one of the signs of the alternation of power is the decrease of negligence. Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (dalail) "دَلائِلِ" in the Hadith refers to indicators or signs. It signifies the presence of certain characteristics or behaviors that can be observed and recognized. The word (dawla) "الدَّوْلَةِ" means alternation of power, referring to the rise and fall of governments or rulers.

The phrase (qillatul ghaflah) "قِلَّةُ الغَفْلَةِ" translates to the decrease of negligence. Negligence, in this context, refers to being heedless or unaware of one's responsibilities, duties, and the consequences of one's actions. It implies a lack of vigilance, mindfulness, and consciousness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of being mindful and vigilant in our actions. In Surah Al-Hashr, verse 18, Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds us of the need to be conscious of our actions and their consequences. It urges us to reflect on our deeds and consider their impact on our present and future. Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 200, Allah says,

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

Here, Allah encourages believers to be steadfast and vigilant in their devotion, reminding them that success lies in being mindful of Allah's commands and remaining steadfast in their faith.

The decrease of negligence, as mentioned in the Hadith, is a sign of a society or a government that is aware of its responsibilities and is actively working towards fulfilling them. It indicates a state of consciousness and vigilance among the people, where they are mindful of their duties towards themselves, their community, and their Creator.

When negligence decreases, people become more responsible and accountable for their actions. They are aware of the consequences of their choices and strive to make decisions that align with their values and principles. This leads to a more just and equitable society, where individuals actively contribute to the betterment of their community.

Conversely, an increase in negligence can have detrimental effects on a society. When people become heedless and neglectful of their responsibilities, corruption, injustice, and oppression can prevail. This can lead to the decline and downfall of a government or a society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the importance of decreasing negligence as a sign of a stable and just government. His words serve as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and conscious of their actions, both individually and collectively.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of decreasing negligence as an indicator of a stable and just government. It reminds us to be mindful and conscious of our responsibilities, and to actively work towards fulfilling them. By doing so, we contribute to the betterment of our society and pave the way for a more just and equitable world. May Allah guide us all to be vigilant and mindful in our actions.