Hadith #6540

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "ثَمَرَةُ العَجَلَةِ العِثارُ۔" This can be translated as

The fruit of haste is error.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran.

The word (ajalah) "عَجَلَةِ" refers to haste or impatience. It signifies acting without proper deliberation or rushing into decisions without considering the consequences. The word (ithar) "عِثارُ" means error or mistake. It refers to the negative outcomes or consequences that arise from hasty actions.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of patience and careful consideration in decision-making. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:200):

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse encourages Muslims to be patient and steadfast in their actions, reminding them that success comes from being mindful and deliberate in their choices.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of not rushing into actions that may lead to corruption or harm. It emphasizes the need to invoke Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in fear and hope, seeking His guidance and mercy in all endeavors.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims about the potential consequences of acting hastily. When we rush into decisions without careful consideration, we are more likely to make mistakes or errors that can have negative effects on ourselves and others.

For example, if a person hastily makes a financial investment without conducting proper research, they may suffer financial loss. If someone rushes into a marriage without getting to know their partner well, they may face difficulties and challenges in their relationship. These examples illustrate how haste can lead to errors and unfavorable outcomes.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his statement reflects his deep understanding of human nature and the importance of thoughtful decision-making. He advises Muslims to take their time, reflect, and seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) before making important choices.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

The fruit of haste is error

serves as a reminder for Muslims to be patient and deliberate in their actions. It highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and avoiding impulsive decisions that may lead to negative consequences. By taking the time to reflect and make informed choices, we can avoid errors and strive for success in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to act with patience and deliberation.