Hadith #7771

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,

لاتَرْمِ سَهْماً يُعْجِزُكَ رَدُّهُ۔

This translates to

Do not shoot an arrow that you are unable to turn back.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (tarmi) "تَرْمِ" means to shoot or throw, specifically referring to an arrow in this context. (sahman) "سَهْمًا" refers to an arrow, which symbolizes actions or decisions taken by an individual. (yu'jizuka) "يُعْجِزُكَ" means that which you are unable to overcome or reverse. And finally, (radduhu) "رَدُّهُ" means to turn back or retract.

To understand the deeper implications of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And do not throw yourselves into destruction.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not engaging in actions that may lead to harm or negative consequences. It encourages Muslims to be cautious and thoughtful in their decisions, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises in his Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also says,

And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the significance of performing righteous deeds and making positive choices. It reminds us that our actions should be aligned with goodness and righteousness, and we should refrain from engaging in actions that may lead to negative consequences or harm.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to exercise caution and wisdom in their actions. It advises against taking actions that may be difficult or impossible to rectify. Just as shooting an arrow that cannot be turned back leads to irreversible consequences, making hasty decisions or engaging in harmful actions can have lasting effects on our lives and the lives of others.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect on the consequences of their actions before proceeding. It urges us to consider the potential harm or negative outcomes that may arise from our choices. By doing so, we can avoid regret and ensure that our actions align with the teachings of Islam.

For example, if a Muslim is faced with a situation where they are tempted to engage in dishonesty or deceit, this Hadith reminds them to think about the long-term consequences. They should consider the potential damage to their reputation, relationships, and ultimately their spiritual well-being. By refraining from shooting the arrow of deceit, they can protect themselves from the irreversible harm that may follow.

In another scenario, this Hadith can be applied to personal relationships. Muslims are encouraged to think before speaking or acting in a way that may hurt others. By refraining from shooting the arrow of hurtful words or actions, we can prevent irreparable damage to our relationships and foster an environment of love, compassion, and understanding.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and decisions. It encourages us to think before we act, considering the potential consequences and striving to align our actions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can lead a life of righteousness, avoiding the irreversible harm that may result from impulsive or harmful choices. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to make sound decisions and protect us from the negative consequences of our actions.