Hadith #9306

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لَقَدْ طِرْتَ شَكيراً، وَهَدَرْتَ صَقْباً

This Hadith can be translated into English as,

You have started flying while still a nestling and growling before coming of age.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (tirta) "طِرْتَ" comes from the root word (taraha) "طَرَحَ", which means to fly. (shakiran) "شَكِيرًا" is derived from the root word (shakara) "شَكَرَ", which means to be grateful. (hadarta) "هَدَرْتَ" is derived from the root word (hadara) "هَدَرَ", which means to growl or make noise. (saqban) "صَقْبًا" is derived from the root word (saqaba) "صَقَبَ", which means to grow or become mature.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 20:

Say, 'Travel through the earth and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent.'

This verse reminds us of the journey of creation and the stages of growth that every living being goes through. Just as a bird starts as a nestling and gradually learns to fly, humans also go through various stages of development. In the context of this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of patience and gratitude during these stages.

The phrase

You have started flying while still a nestling

signifies the eagerness and enthusiasm of individuals who are eager to achieve success and reach their goals. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that it is crucial to maintain a sense of gratitude during this process. Just as a bird is grateful for its ability to fly, we should be grateful for the opportunities and blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then says,

growling before coming of age.

This phrase serves as a reminder to exercise patience and restraint during the journey towards maturity and wisdom. Just as a young bird gradually grows and matures, humans also need time to develop their knowledge, skills, and character. It is important to avoid impatience and unnecessary noise during this process, as it can hinder our growth and hinder our ability to learn from others.

This Hadith teaches us the importance of balance and moderation in our actions and attitudes. It encourages us to be grateful for our blessings and to exercise patience and restraint in our journey towards maturity. By reflecting on this Hadith and applying its teachings in our lives, we can strive to become better individuals and fulfill our potential as Muslims.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives. May He bless us with gratitude, patience, and the ability to grow and mature in the best possible way.