Hadith #10135

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "آفَةُ النُّجْحِِ اَلْكَسَلُ۔" This can be translated as,

The bane of success is laziness.

In this thought-provoking saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental effect of laziness on achieving success in any endeavor.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words. The word (bane) "آفَةُ" refers to something that causes harm or ruin. It signifies a destructive element that undermines or weakens the desired outcome. (success) "النُّجْحِ" refers to achieving a favorable or desired result. And finally, (laziness) "الْكَسَلُ" denotes a state of idleness or reluctance to exert effort.

In the light of the Quran, we find numerous verses that emphasize the importance of striving and working hard to attain success. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the need for determination and perseverance in all aspects of life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages Muslims to strive for success in both this world and the Hereafter, while also reminding them not to neglect their responsibilities in worldly affairs.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that laziness hinders progress and obstructs the path to success. When one becomes complacent and fails to put in the necessary effort, they are unlikely to achieve their goals. Laziness can manifest in various forms, such as procrastination, lack of motivation, or a reluctance to take on challenges.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, recognized the danger of laziness and its adverse effects on personal growth and development. He understood that success requires consistent effort, perseverance, and a proactive approach towards overcoming obstacles.

Let us consider an example from our daily lives. Suppose a student aspires to excel in their studies and achieve academic success. If they succumb to laziness and neglect their responsibilities, such as attending classes, completing assignments, and studying diligently, they are unlikely to achieve their desired goals. On the other hand, if the student remains committed, puts in the necessary effort, and maintains a disciplined approach, they are more likely to succeed in their academic pursuits.

The consequences of laziness extend beyond individual aspirations. In a broader context, laziness can have detrimental effects on society as a whole. When individuals become complacent and fail to contribute their skills and talents, progress and development are hindered. Productivity declines, innovation stagnates, and societal growth becomes stagnant. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to recognize the importance of actively combating laziness and striving for excellence in all aspects of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant against laziness and to actively pursue success in all endeavors. Laziness is a hindrance to progress and can impede personal growth, societal development, and the attainment of desired goals. By embodying the qualities of determination, perseverance, and hard work, Muslims can overcome laziness and strive for success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and motivation to overcome laziness and achieve success in all aspects of our lives.