Hadith #11255

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أطاعَ التَّوانِيَ ضَيَّعَ الحُقُوقَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who submits to lethargy forfeits his rights.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (ata'a) "أطاعَ" means to obey or submit, while (tawaniya) "التَّوانِيَ" refers to lethargy or laziness. And (dayya'a) "ضَيَّعَ" means to forfeit or lose. Lastly, (al-huquq) "الحُقُوقَ" signifies rights or entitlements.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling the rights of others, especially those who are in need.

When we submit to lethargy and laziness, we neglect our responsibilities and fail to fulfill the rights of others. This can have severe consequences on both an individual and society as a whole. The Quran warns us against laziness 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 encourages us to seek strength and determination from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to fulfill our duties and responsibilities.

When we succumb to lethargy, we not only harm ourselves but also deprive others of their rights. For example, a student who is lazy and neglects their studies not only harms their own future but also fails to fulfill their duty towards their education and the opportunities it provides. Similarly, an employee who is lazy and does not fulfill their responsibilities not only hampers their own growth but also hinders the progress of their organization.

Moreover, the consequences of submitting to lethargy extend beyond the immediate loss of rights. Laziness can lead to a lack of motivation, productivity, and progress in various aspects of life. It can hinder personal growth, hinder the development of skills, and limit one's potential. Additionally, it can create a negative cycle where the individual becomes trapped in a state of underachievement and dissatisfaction.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of being proactive, diligent, and responsible in fulfilling our obligations. We should strive to overcome laziness and lethargy by seeking guidance and strength from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we not only fulfill our own rights but also contribute positively to the well-being of others and society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid succumbing to lethargy and laziness. By fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations, we uphold the rights of others and contribute to the betterment of society. Let us strive to be diligent, proactive, and motivated in all aspects of our lives, seeking the guidance and strength from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the ability to overcome laziness and fulfill our duties with excellence.