Hadith #1392

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

عَلَيكَ بِالأناةِ فَإنَّ المُتَأنّي حَرِىٌّ بِالإصابَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

You must adopt deliberateness, for indeed one who acts unhurriedly is deserving of success.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. (anah) "أناة" refers to deliberateness, carefulness, and thoughtfulness in one's actions. It implies taking the time to consider the consequences and potential outcomes of our actions before proceeding. (muta'anni) "مُتَأنّي" refers to someone who acts unhurriedly or with deliberation. This person is cautious and takes their time in making decisions or taking actions. (al-isabah) "الإصابَةِ" refers to success, achievement, or reaching the desired goal.

To understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of thoughtfulness and deliberation in our actions.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:188)

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse highlights the importance of being deliberate and cautious in matters of financial transactions, warning against unjust consumption and bribery.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:34)

And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse emphasizes the need for carefulness and thoughtfulness when dealing with the property of orphans, urging us to act in their best interest and fulfill our commitments.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to adopt deliberateness in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can avoid hasty decisions and impulsive actions that may lead to negative consequences. Deliberation allows us to consider the potential outcomes of our choices and make informed decisions that align with the teachings of Islam.

For example, when faced with a difficult situation, taking the time to reflect and consult the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) can help us make wise choices. By being deliberate, we can avoid making decisions based on emotions or societal pressures, and instead, make choices that are in line with our faith and values.

Moreover, adopting deliberateness in our interactions with others can lead to better relationships and outcomes. When we take the time to listen attentively, think before speaking, and consider the impact of our words and actions, we can avoid misunderstandings, hurtful remarks, and conflicts. This approach promotes harmony, understanding, and empathy in our interactions, ultimately leading to success in our relationships.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of deliberateness in our actions. By taking the time to consider the consequences and potential outcomes of our choices, we can make informed decisions that align with the teachings of Islam. This approach leads to success in various aspects of our lives, including our personal growth, relationships, and adherence to the principles of justice and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to adopt deliberateness in all our endeavors.