Hadith #3137

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

مِنَ الفُحشِ كَثْرَةُ الخُرْقِ۔

This can be translated into English as,

Increased ineptness is an abomination.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the important words used. The word (fahish) "فُحش" refers to indecency, immorality, or obscenity. It encompasses any action or speech that goes against the principles of modesty and righteousness. The word (kathratu) "كَثْرَةُ" means increase or abundance, and (alkhurq) "الخُرْقِ" refers to ineptness or incompetence.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that shed light on the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:33),

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse highlights the prohibition of immoralities and indecencies, which aligns with the concept of "فُحش" mentioned in the Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against engaging in actions or uttering words that are morally corrupt, whether they are done openly or in secret.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding any form of sexual immorality, which falls under the category of "فُحش."

Now, let us delve into the profound explanation of Imam Ali's statement. He is highlighting the abomination of increased ineptness. Ineptness refers to a lack of skill, competence, or capability in performing a task or fulfilling a responsibility. When this ineptness is increased or becomes prevalent, it leads to disastrous consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us of the importance of acquiring knowledge, skills, and expertise in our respective fields. He is emphasizing that being inept or incompetent in fulfilling our duties is not only detrimental to ourselves but also to the society at large.

For instance, imagine a doctor who lacks the necessary knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat patients. Their incompetence can lead to misdiagnosis, improper treatment, and ultimately harm to the patients. Similarly, an inept leader can make poor decisions that negatively impact the well-being of their community or nation.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. It encourages us to seek knowledge, develop our skills, and continuously improve ourselves. By doing so, we can contribute positively to society and fulfill our responsibilities with competence and effectiveness.

Conversely, the consequences of increased ineptness are severe. It can lead to a decline in the quality of services provided, the spread of misinformation, and the erosion of trust in institutions and individuals. Moreover, it can hinder progress and development, as society relies on competent individuals to innovate and solve complex problems.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should evaluate ourselves and identify areas where we may be lacking in knowledge or skills. We should strive to rectify our shortcomings through education, training, and seeking guidance from experts in our respective fields. By doing so, we can avoid the abomination of increased ineptness and contribute positively to the betterment of our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for excellence and avoid increased ineptness. It highlights the importance of acquiring knowledge and skills to fulfill our responsibilities effectively. By doing so, we can contribute positively to society and avoid the abomination of immorality and incompetence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and competence in all aspects of our lives.