Hadith #11251

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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, "التَّواني فَوْتٌ۔" This can be translated as

Lethargy is [a cause of] loss.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (tawani) "تَوَانِي" refers to a state of laziness, sluggishness, or inactivity. It implies a lack of motivation, energy, or enthusiasm to engage in productive actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that such lethargy leads to (fawt) "فَوْتٌ", which means loss or deprivation. This loss can manifest in various aspects of our lives, including spiritual, intellectual, and material realms.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of being active, diligent, and proactive in our lives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to strive for excellence and warns against complacency and laziness. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the significance of taking positive actions and fulfilling our responsibilities. It reminds us that merely believing is not enough; we must also engage in righteous deeds and encourage one another towards truth and patience. By doing so, we safeguard ourselves from the loss mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah narrates the story of two men and their gardens. One of them became arrogant and neglected to acknowledge Allah's blessings, leading to the destruction of his garden. Allah says, (Quran 18:42)

And his fruits were encompassed [by ruin], so he began to turn his hands about [in dismay] over what he had spent on it, while it had collapsed upon its trellises, and said, 'Oh, I wish I had not associated with my Lord anyone.'

This verse serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the consequences of negligence and laziness. The man's failure to maintain and appreciate his garden resulted in its ruin, causing him great regret. Similarly, when we allow lethargy to seep into our lives, we risk losing the blessings and opportunities bestowed upon us by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively engage in their duties and responsibilities. It encourages us to be proactive in seeking knowledge, performing acts of worship, fulfilling our obligations towards others, and striving for personal and spiritual growth.

Lethargy can hinder our progress and prevent us from reaching our full potential. It can lead to missed opportunities, wasted time, and a lack of productivity. By recognizing the dangers of laziness and actively combating it, we can avoid the loss mentioned in the Hadith and strive towards success in both this world and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the detrimental effects of lethargy and the importance of remaining active and diligent in our lives. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the value of striving for excellence and fulfilling our responsibilities. By avoiding laziness and embracing productivity, we can safeguard ourselves from loss and attain success in the eyes of Allah. May Allah grant us the strength and motivation to overcome lethargy and lead purposeful lives.