Hadith #8146

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, "الْغَفْلَةُ ضِدُّ الحَزْمِ" which translates to

Negligence is the opposite of judiciousness.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (ghaflah) "غَفْلَةُ" refers to negligence, heedlessness, or being unaware of one's surroundings and responsibilities. It implies a state of being oblivious to the consequences of one's actions and the need for vigilance. On the other hand, (hazm) "حَزْمِ" signifies judiciousness, determination, and decisiveness. It conveys the idea of being resolute, firm, and proactive in facing challenges and making choices.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:179), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the state of those who are negligent and heedless, saying,

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights the consequences of negligence, emphasizing that those who are heedless are akin to cattle, lacking the ability to comprehend and perceive the truth. They are oblivious to the signs of Allah and fail to fulfill their responsibilities as servants of the Almighty. Negligence leads to a state of spiritual blindness and ignorance, distancing individuals from the path of righteousness.

Conversely, the Quran encourages believers to be judicious and resolute in their actions. In Surah Al-Hajj (22:78), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of determination and perseverance in fulfilling our obligations towards Allah. It encourages us to be proactive and steadfast in our pursuit of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the stark contrast between negligence and judiciousness. Negligence leads to spiritual stagnation, while judiciousness propels us towards growth and righteousness. Negligence prevents us from recognizing our duties and responsibilities, whereas judiciousness enables us to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.

To illustrate this further, let us consider an example. Imagine a Muslim who is negligent in their prayers, often delaying or missing them altogether. This negligence stems from a lack of awareness and understanding of the importance of prayer and its impact on their spiritual well-being. As a result, they become disconnected from the blessings and guidance that prayer offers, and their spiritual growth is hindered.

On the other hand, a judicious Muslim recognizes the significance of prayer and is committed to fulfilling this obligation with sincerity and punctuality. They understand that prayer is a means of seeking closeness to Allah and attaining spiritual nourishment. Their judiciousness motivates them to establish a strong connection with their Creator, leading to increased faith, tranquility, and guidance in their lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of being vigilant and proactive in our spiritual journey. Negligence leads to a state of heedlessness and spiritual blindness, while judiciousness enables us to fulfill our responsibilities and grow closer to Allah. Let us strive to be judicious Muslims, seeking knowledge, understanding, and taking decisive actions that align with the teachings of Islam. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the perils of negligence.