Hadith #11252

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, "التَّواني سَجِيَّةُ النَّوْكى۔" This can be translated as,

Lethargy is the trait of the foolish.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words used.

The word (tawani) "تَوَانِي" refers to lethargy or laziness, which is a state of inactivity or sluggishness. It implies a lack of motivation, energy, and drive to accomplish tasks or fulfill responsibilities. The word (sajiyyatu) "سَجِيَّةُ" means a trait or characteristic, while (an-nawki) "النَّوْكَى" refers to the foolish or ignorant.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has emphasized the importance of diligence, productivity, and avoiding laziness in several verses.

In Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah says,

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 importance of taking action and doing righteous deeds. It reminds us that time is precious and that we should not waste it in idleness.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:1-2), Allah states,

Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being active and engaged in acts of worship, such as prayer. It encourages believers to be focused and attentive in their worship, rather than being lazy or negligent.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:9), Allah says,

O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.

This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing the remembrance of Allah over worldly pursuits. It reminds us that we should not allow laziness or preoccupation with material matters to hinder our devotion to Allah.

Based on these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. Lethargy or laziness is a trait that hinders progress and prevents individuals from fulfilling their potential. It is a characteristic of the ignorant and foolish, as they fail to recognize the value of time and the importance of taking action.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the dangers of laziness. He encourages us to be proactive, diligent, and motivated in all aspects of our lives. By avoiding lethargy and embracing productivity, we can strive for success in this world and the Hereafter.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own actions and strive for self-improvement. It urges us to overcome laziness and develop a strong work ethic, whether it be in our religious obligations, personal goals, or societal responsibilities. By doing so, we can fulfill our potential and contribute positively to our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that lethargy is a trait of the foolish. It emphasizes the importance of diligence, productivity, and avoiding laziness in all aspects of our lives. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that support this Hadith, we can gain a deeper understanding of its profound wisdom and strive to embody its teachings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and motivation to overcome laziness and be productive Muslims.