Hadith #1398

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, "الأناة إصابة" which translates to "Deliberateness is success." This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in all aspects of their lives.

The word (al-anah) "الأناة" refers to deliberateness, careful consideration, and thoughtfulness in one's actions. It implies a conscious and intentional approach to decision-making and behavior. It is the opposite of haste, impulsiveness, and recklessness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of this quality, as it leads to success in various aspects of life.

To understand the significance of deliberateness, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 being deliberate and cautious in our actions, ensuring that we do not cause harm or corruption. By being mindful of our choices and their potential consequences, we can avoid falling into destructive behaviors.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

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 emphasizes the need for deliberation and careful consideration before pursuing any course of action. It reminds us that we should not act based on assumptions or incomplete information. Instead, we should seek knowledge and understanding before making decisions, as we will be held accountable for our choices.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of intentionality in our worship and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This verse reminds us that our existence and worship have a purpose. By approaching our acts of worship with deliberateness and sincerity, we can attain success in our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Deliberateness in our interactions with others is also crucial. 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 teaches us the importance of verifying information before acting upon it. By being deliberate in our judgments and interactions, we can avoid causing harm or spreading falsehood.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to approach every aspect of their lives with thoughtfulness and intentionality. By being deliberate in our actions, decisions, worship, and interactions, we can avoid hasty mistakes, harmful consequences, and regret. Deliberateness leads to success in this world and the Hereafter, as it aligns our actions with the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and ensures that we fulfill our purpose as His servants.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the quality of deliberateness in all aspects of our lives, and may He bless us with success in this world and the Hereafter.