Hadith #7679

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

The bane of works is the inability of the workers.

This wise utterance highlights the importance of capability and competence in performing any task or action. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (bane) "آفَةُ" refers to a harmful or destructive element that undermines the effectiveness and success of something. It implies a negative consequence or outcome. The word (works) "الأعْمالِ" encompasses all types of actions, deeds, and tasks that individuals engage in. It includes both religious and worldly actions. Finally, the word (inability) "عَجْزُ" denotes the lack of capability, skill, or competence to perform a particular task or action.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:286)

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear

This verse emphasizes that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, does not impose tasks upon individuals that exceed their capabilities. It highlights the importance of recognizing our limitations and not taking on responsibilities that we are unable to fulfill.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 17:36)

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 reminds us of the importance of acquiring knowledge and understanding before engaging in any action. It cautions against blindly pursuing tasks without the necessary skills or knowledge, as it can lead to negative consequences.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to assess their abilities and capacities before undertaking any task. It emphasizes the significance of competence and skill in achieving successful outcomes. When individuals lack the necessary skills or knowledge, their actions may not yield the desired results and can even have detrimental effects.

For instance, in the realm of religious practices, it is crucial for Muslims to seek knowledge and guidance before performing acts of worship. Without understanding the proper methods and intentions, one's prayers, fasting, or charity may not be accepted or may even be rendered invalid. This highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars and sources.

Similarly, in worldly matters, individuals must possess the necessary skills and qualifications to carry out their responsibilities effectively. For example, a doctor must have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat patients, while an engineer must possess the technical skills to design and construct buildings. Without the required competence, the outcomes of their work may be compromised, leading to potential harm or failure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the significance of capability and competence in performing any task or action. It cautions against undertaking responsibilities beyond one's abilities and highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance. By recognizing our limitations and acquiring the necessary skills, we can ensure that our actions are fruitful and beneficial, both in the religious and worldly domains. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to act in accordance with His guidance.