Hadith #9302

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

One who imposes upon you a duty that you are unable to bear has indeed asked you to disobey him.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of recognizing our limitations and not burdening ourselves with tasks that exceed our capabilities.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith for a better understanding. The word (kallafaka) "كَلَّفَكَ" means to impose or burden someone with a duty or responsibility. The word (ma) "مَا" denotes something that, in this context, refers to a duty or task. The word (la tuteeq) "لَا تُطِيقُ" means unable to bear or endure. And finally, the word (aftaka) "أفْتَاكَ" means to ask or command.

To shed light on the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286: (Quran 2:286)

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse emphasizes the principle that Allah, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, does not burden His creation with tasks that are beyond their capabilities. He knows our strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 42, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 7:42)

And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning).

This verse highlights the importance of guidance and warning before any punishment is inflicted. It serves as a reminder that Allah, in His justice, does not hold us accountable for tasks that we have not been informed about or guided towards.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their own limitations and not to burden themselves with tasks that they are unable to bear. It is a call to prioritize self-awareness and self-care, recognizing that pushing ourselves beyond our limits can lead to disobedience and failure.

For example, if a person is given a responsibility that requires extensive knowledge or expertise in a particular field, but they lack the necessary skills or qualifications, it would be unwise for them to accept that responsibility. By doing so, they would be setting themselves up for failure and potentially disobeying the one who entrusted them with the task.

Similarly, this Hadith can be applied to our daily lives. We often find ourselves overwhelmed with numerous obligations and responsibilities, whether it be at work, in our families, or in our communities. It is crucial to assess our capabilities and prioritize our tasks accordingly. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of overburdening ourselves and falling into disobedience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a valuable reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their limitations and not to burden themselves with tasks that exceed their capabilities. It is a call to prioritize self-awareness, self-care, and to seek guidance from Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) in order to navigate through life's challenges. May Allah grant us the wisdom to recognize our limits and the strength to fulfill our responsibilities in a manner that is pleasing to Him.