Hadith #3132

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِئسَ الشّيمَةُ الخُرْقُ۔" which translates to

How bad a quality ineptness is!

In order to understand the meaning behind this statement, let us delve into the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (shimah) "شّيمَةُ" refers to a quality or characteristic. It encompasses the traits and attributes that define an individual's behavior and actions. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting a specific negative quality, which is (al-khurq) "الخُرْقُ". This term refers to ineptness, incompetence, or lack of skill in performing a task or fulfilling a responsibility.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of competence and proficiency in various aspects of life.

In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 26, Allah says, (Quran 28:26)

He said, 'Indeed, I wish to wed you one of these, my two daughters, on [the condition] that you serve me for eight years; but if you complete ten, it will be [as a favor] from you. And I do not wish to put you in difficulty. You will find me, if Allah wills, from among the righteous.'

In this verse, we see that Prophet Musa (Moses) offered his services to a righteous man for a specified period of time. This demonstrates the importance of competence and the willingness to fulfill responsibilities diligently. Prophet Musa understood the value of being proficient in his duties and sought to prove his worth through his actions.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 27, Allah says, (Quran 28:27)

He said, 'That is [established] between me and you. Whichever of the two terms I complete - there is no injustice to me, and Allah, over what we say, is Witness.'

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling commitments and completing tasks with excellence. Prophet Musa recognized the significance of fulfilling his responsibilities and ensuring that his actions were carried out with utmost proficiency.

From these Quranic verses, we can infer that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) values competence and proficiency in fulfilling our duties and responsibilities. In light of this, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is warning us about the detrimental nature of ineptness. He is reminding us that being incompetent or lacking skill in our actions can have severe consequences.

Ineptness can lead to negative outcomes, both individually and collectively. It can hinder progress, cause inefficiency, and result in the failure to meet objectives. Whether it is in our personal lives, professional endeavors, or religious obligations, incompetence can have far-reaching consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, is urging us to strive for excellence in all that we do. He is encouraging us to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to fulfill our responsibilities effectively. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of ineptness and contribute positively to our communities and society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for competence and proficiency in all aspects of life. It highlights the importance of fulfilling our duties diligently and avoiding the negative consequences of ineptness. Let us reflect upon this profound teaching and seek to improve ourselves, both individually and collectively, by acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in our responsibilities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of excellence and grant us success in all our endeavors.