Hadith #6525

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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, "العَجْزُ شَرُّ مَطِيَّة۔" This can be translated into English as,

Inability is the worst riding mount.

To understand the essence behind this statement, let us delve into the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (inability) "عَجْزُ" refers to the state of being weak or powerless. It implies the lack of capability or capacity to perform a certain action or achieve a desired outcome. This can be physical, mental, or even spiritual incapacity. The word (worst) "شَرُّ" denotes the extreme negativity or harm associated with something. It signifies the detrimental consequences or effects that arise from a particular situation or condition. Lastly, the term (riding mount) "مَطِيَّة" refers to a means of transportation, specifically a riding animal or vehicle.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse emphasizes the importance of strength and capability in all aspects of life. It highlights the need for steadfastness and resilience in facing challenges and fulfilling our responsibilities.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:54), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth [in place of them] a people He will love and who will love Him [who are] humble toward the believers, powerful against the disbelievers; they strive in the cause of Allah and do not fear the blame of a critic.

This verse emphasizes the importance of strength and determination in upholding and defending the truth. It highlights the significance of being capable and resolute in the face of adversity.

Based on these Quranic verses, we can understand the beautiful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. Inability, whether it is physical, mental, or spiritual, is likened to a riding mount that hinders our progress and limits our potential. It is the worst form of transportation because it prevents us from reaching our goals and fulfilling our duties.

When we are unable to perform our obligations, whether it is in our personal, professional, or religious lives, we become stagnant and ineffective. Our inability to act or accomplish tasks not only affects us individually but also has consequences for the larger community. It hampers our ability to contribute positively to society and fulfill our responsibilities towards Allah and our fellow Muslims.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of striving to overcome our limitations and weaknesses. He encourages us to seek strength and capability in all aspects of our lives, so that we may be productive and impactful members of society. By doing so, we can fulfill our duties towards Allah and our fellow Muslims, and contribute to the betterment of the world around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that inability is the worst riding mount. It emphasizes the importance of strength, capability, and determination in fulfilling our obligations and striving for excellence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome our weaknesses and empower us to be productive and impactful members of society.