Hadith #1016

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

مَنْ ضَيَّعَ أمْرَهُ ضَيَّعَ كُلَّ أمْر۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who neglects his [own] affairs is negligent in all matters.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (dayya'a) "ضَيَّعَ" in the Hadith refers to neglecting or abandoning something. It implies a lack of attention, care, or responsibility towards one's own affairs. This negligence can have far-reaching consequences, affecting all aspects of a person's life.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and not neglecting our affairs. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 36, Allah says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before engaging in any matter. Neglecting to acquire knowledge can lead to detrimental consequences, as one may make uninformed decisions or act recklessly.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 67, Allah mentions,

But they who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah - give them tidings of a painful punishment.

This verse serves as a reminder that neglecting to fulfill our financial obligations, such as paying Zakat or giving in charity, can have severe consequences. It highlights the importance of being responsible and mindful of our wealth and how we utilize it for the betterment of society.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be diligent and responsible in all aspects of their lives. Neglecting one's own affairs can have a cascading effect, leading to negligence in other matters as well. For example, if a person neglects their physical health, it may impact their ability to fulfill their religious obligations, such as performing prayers or fasting. Similarly, neglecting one's spiritual well-being can hinder their ability to make sound decisions in worldly matters.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to be proactive and responsible individuals who strive for excellence in all areas of life. It emphasizes the importance of self-accountability and the need to fulfill our obligations towards ourselves, our families, our communities, and ultimately, towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By being diligent in our affairs, we can lead a balanced and purposeful life, fulfilling both our worldly and spiritual responsibilities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful and responsible in all matters. Neglecting our own affairs can have far-reaching consequences, impacting various aspects of our lives. By being diligent and proactive, we can strive for excellence and fulfill our obligations towards ourselves, our families, our communities, and our Creator. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to be responsible individuals who seek His pleasure in all that we do.