Hadith #7758

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who is incapable of performing his actions falls behind in his circumstances [and does not make progress].

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of taking initiative and being proactive in our lives.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ajaza) "عَجَزَ" means to be incapable or unable to perform an action. It refers to a state of weakness or lack of ability. The word (a'malih) "أعْمَالِهِ" refers to one's actions or deeds. And the word (ahwalihi) "أحْوَالِهِ" refers to one's circumstances or situations.

To comprehend the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of taking action and being proactive in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the significance of performing righteous deeds and advising one another towards truth and patience. It emphasizes that mere belief is not sufficient; action is necessary for success. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving and taking initiative in the path of Allah. It assures that those who make an effort will be guided by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These verses, among others, highlight the Quranic emphasis on the importance of action and proactivity in our lives.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Imam is reminding us that if we are incapable or unwilling to take action and perform our duties, we will fall behind in our circumstances and fail to make progress. This Hadith serves as a reminder that success and progress in life require effort, initiative, and the willingness to take action.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and wisdom. His words carry immense weight and guidance for Muslims of all generations. In this Hadith, he is urging us to overcome our weaknesses and limitations, and to actively engage in our responsibilities and obligations.

If we fail to take action and become complacent, we will find ourselves stagnant and unable to move forward. Our circumstances will not change, and we will miss out on opportunities for growth and improvement. This Hadith serves as a motivation for us to constantly strive for excellence, to be proactive in our personal and spiritual development, and to fulfill our duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of taking action and being proactive in our lives. It serves as a powerful reminder that without effort and initiative, we will fall behind in our circumstances and fail to make progress. May we all strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and actively engage in our responsibilities, seeking success in this world and the Hereafter.