Hadith #8404

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الفشل منقصة" which translates to "Indolence is deficiency." To understand the essence behind this statement, let us delve into the key words used in this Hadith.

The word (al-fashl) "الفشل" refers to indolence or laziness. It implies a lack of effort, motivation, and productivity. It is a state of being idle and neglectful of one's responsibilities and duties. Indolence can manifest in various aspects of our lives, such as in our worship, work, relationships, and personal growth.

The word (munqasah) "منقصة" means deficiency or shortcoming. It signifies a state of lacking or falling short in fulfilling our obligations and potential. It highlights the negative consequences of indolence, as it leads to a deficiency in our achievements, character development, and spiritual growth.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of striving and exerting effort in various aspects of our lives.

In Surah Al-Asr, Allah 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 necessity of taking action and engaging in righteous deeds to avoid loss. It emphasizes the importance of actively seeking knowledge, performing good deeds, and encouraging one another towards truth and patience.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, Allah states, (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 concept of striving (jihad) in the path of Allah. It highlights that those who make an effort and strive to please Allah will be guided and supported by Him.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of actively engaging in their responsibilities and striving for excellence. Indolence leads to deficiency in our worldly affairs as well as our spiritual journey.

When we are indolent in our worship, we neglect our prayers, delay acts of charity, and fail to seek knowledge. This deficiency hinders our spiritual growth and weakens our connection with Allah. It is through consistent effort and dedication that we can attain closeness to Allah and strive for excellence in our worship.

In our personal and professional lives, indolence leads to missed opportunities, lack of progress, and unfulfilled potential. It prevents us from utilizing our talents and abilities to their fullest extent. By being diligent, proactive, and motivated, we can achieve success and make a positive impact in the world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that indolence is a deficiency that we must actively strive to overcome. Through his own exemplary life, he demonstrated the importance of continuous learning, self-improvement, and taking initiative.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid indolence and strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. By being proactive, motivated, and diligent, we can overcome deficiencies and fulfill our responsibilities and potential. May Allah guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to overcome indolence.