Hadith #6554

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "مَنْ يَعْجَلْ يَعْثُرْ۔" This can be translated as,

One who is hasty makes mistakes.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom behind this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ya'jal) "يَعْجَلْ" in the Hadith refers to someone who acts hastily or rushes into things without proper consideration. This impulsive behavior often leads to errors, misjudgments, and undesirable outcomes. The word (ya'thur) "يَعْثُرْ" means to stumble or falter, symbolizing the consequences of such hasty actions.

The Quranic teachings emphasize the importance of patience, wisdom, and careful deliberation in decision-making. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:159),

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

This verse highlights the importance of seeking consultation and taking time to make decisions. It encourages us to be patient, gentle, and considerate in our interactions with others. By doing so, we can avoid hasty actions that may lead to misunderstandings or negative consequences.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse reminds us of the importance of verifying information before acting upon it. It cautions against hastily accepting rumors or false accusations, as they can lead to harm and regret. Instead, we are encouraged to seek knowledge, investigate the truth, and act with wisdom and justice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to exercise patience, thoughtfulness, and deliberation in their actions. It urges us to reflect on the potential consequences of our decisions and to avoid rushing into situations without proper consideration.

For example, in our personal lives, we may encounter situations where we feel compelled to make impulsive choices without fully assessing the risks and benefits. This Hadith reminds us to take a step back, seek guidance from Allah through prayer, and consult with knowledgeable individuals before making important decisions. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary mistakes and regrets.

In the broader context of society, this Hadith highlights the importance of promoting a culture of patience, understanding, and dialogue. It encourages us to engage in respectful discussions, seek diverse perspectives, and make informed decisions that benefit the community as a whole.

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

One who is hasty makes mistakes

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to exercise patience, wisdom, and careful deliberation in their actions. By avoiding hasty decisions and taking the time to reflect and seek guidance from Allah, we can navigate through life with greater clarity, avoiding unnecessary mistakes and regrets. May Allah grant us the wisdom to act thoughtfully and patiently in all aspects of our lives.