Hadith #2167

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

One who is not pushed forward by judiciousness is held back by impuissance.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the importance of being proactive and decisive in our actions, as well as the consequences of being indecisive and lacking determination.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (hazm) "حَزْمُ" refers to judiciousness, decisiveness, and firmness. It signifies the quality of being resolute and determined in making decisions and taking action. On the other hand, the word (ajz) "عَجْزُ" refers to impuissance, weakness, and inability. It represents the state of being indecisive, hesitant, and lacking the ability to take effective action.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can refer to the Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of judiciousness and decisiveness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:46),

So have they not traveled through the earth and have hearts by which to reason and ears by which to hear? For indeed, it is not eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts.

This verse highlights the importance of using our intellect and reasoning abilities to make sound decisions. It emphasizes the need to have a clear vision and understanding of the world around us, enabling us to take appropriate actions. By utilizing our hearts and minds, we can overcome any obstacles and make informed choices.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse encourages believers to be proactive and forward-thinking in their actions. It reminds us to reflect on our deeds and consider the consequences of our choices in this life and the hereafter. By being judicious and mindful of our actions, we can strive to please Allah and attain success in both worlds.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. The Imam highlights the importance of being proactive and decisive in our lives. When we possess the quality of hazm, we are driven by determination and firmness, allowing us to overcome challenges and achieve our goals. This quality enables us to take the initiative and make timely decisions, leading to success and progress in various aspects of our lives.

Conversely, when we lack hazm and succumb to ajz, we become indecisive and hesitant. This state of impuissance hinders our progress and holds us back from reaching our full potential. We may miss out on opportunities, delay important actions, and fail to accomplish our objectives. This lack of decisiveness can lead to regret and a sense of stagnation in our personal, professional, and spiritual lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking Hadith serves as a reminder for us to cultivate the quality of hazm in our lives. By being proactive and decisive, we can seize opportunities, overcome obstacles, and fulfill our responsibilities. This quality is particularly crucial in matters of faith, where we must make firm decisions to adhere to the teachings of Islam and strive for righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being pushed forward by judiciousness and the consequences of being held back by impuissance. It encourages us to be proactive, decisive, and resolute in our actions, enabling us to achieve success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the quality of hazm in all aspects of our lives.