Hadith #6546

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic phrase "فِي العَجَلَةِ النَّدامَةُ" is translated as

In haste there is regret.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to reflect upon the consequences of acting impulsively or without proper consideration.

The word (ajalah) "عَجَلَةِ" refers to haste or impatience. It signifies the act of rushing into something without taking the time to think it through or evaluate the potential outcomes. The word (nadama) "نَّدامَةُ" means regret or remorse. It denotes the feeling of sorrow or repentance that one experiences after realizing the negative consequences of their hasty actions.

This hadith is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of patience, deliberation, and thoughtful decision-making. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:51):

Do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse urges Muslims to be cautious and not to rush into actions that may lead them astray or cause them harm. It serves as a reminder that haste can often cloud our judgment and lead us towards regrettable outcomes.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises:

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before making decisions. It encourages Muslims to refrain from acting impulsively or hastily, as it can lead to negative consequences and accountability in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to exercise patience and wisdom in their actions. It cautions against making decisions in the heat of the moment, without considering the potential repercussions. By reflecting on the consequences of acting hastily, individuals can avoid regret and make more informed choices.

For example, in personal relationships, acting impulsively can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and damaged friendships. Taking the time to communicate effectively and think through our words and actions can prevent regrettable outcomes and foster stronger bonds.

Similarly, in matters of faith and religious practices, rushing into judgments or blindly following others without seeking knowledge can lead to misguided beliefs and actions. By taking the time to study and understand the teachings of Islam, Muslims can make informed decisions and avoid regret in matters of faith.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying,

In haste there is regret,

serves as a timeless reminder for all Muslims to exercise patience, wisdom, and careful consideration in their actions. By reflecting on the consequences of acting impulsively, we can avoid regret and make choices that align with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to act with wisdom and patience in all aspects of our lives.