Hadith #6969

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنِ انْتَظَرَ العَواقِبَ سَلِمَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who expects [and considers] the outcomes remains safe.

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

The word (intathara) "انتظر" in the Hadith means to wait or expect. It implies a state of anticipation and preparedness for the consequences of our actions. By emphasizing the importance of considering the outcomes, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of foresight and wisdom in our decision-making process.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the consequences of our actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18),

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

In this verse, Allah urges believers to be conscious of their actions and to consider the consequences that lie ahead. By doing so, we can avoid potential harm and ensure our safety in this world and the hereafter.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah says,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us of the transient nature of this worldly life and the ultimate accountability we will face in the hereafter. By considering the outcomes of our actions, we can strive to attain success in the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the consequences of their choices. It encourages us to adopt a proactive approach in our decision-making process, taking into account the potential outcomes and their impact on our spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being.

By reflecting on the consequences, we can avoid hasty decisions that may lead to regret or harm. For example, before engaging in any business transaction, a Muslim should consider the ethical implications and potential consequences of their actions. This foresight can prevent them from engaging in dishonest practices or exploiting others for personal gain.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages Muslims to be cautious in their interactions with others. By considering the outcomes of our words and actions, we can strive to maintain harmonious relationships and avoid causing harm or discord. This aligns with the Quranic teachings of promoting peace, justice, and compassion in our dealings with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of considering the outcomes of our actions. By reflecting on the consequences, we can make informed decisions that align with the teachings of Islam and ensure our safety in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and foresight to make choices that lead to success and righteousness.