Hadith #6526

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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, "العَجْزُ يُثْمِرُ الهَلَكَةَ" which translates to

Inability bears the fruit of destruction.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of being unable to fulfill one's responsibilities and duties.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. The word (al-'ajz) "العَجْزُ" refers to the state of being unable or incapable. It signifies a lack of ability, strength, or power to accomplish something. The word (yuthmiru) "يُثْمِرُ" means to produce or bear fruit, while (al-halakah) "الهَلَكَةَ" refers to destruction or ruin.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our obligations and warns against the consequences of negligence and inability. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, does not place upon us tasks that are beyond our capabilities. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to strive to fulfill our responsibilities to the best of our abilities.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), 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 emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before embarking on any task. It serves as a reminder that ignorance and lack of knowledge can lead to destructive consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the dangers of being unable to fulfill our obligations. When we are incapable of carrying out our duties, whether it be in our personal, professional, or religious lives, it can lead to disastrous outcomes. For example, if a leader is unable to govern effectively, it can result in chaos and instability within a society. Similarly, if a person is unable to fulfill their financial responsibilities, it can lead to bankruptcy and financial ruin.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge and developing our skills. By continuously learning and improving ourselves, we can overcome our limitations and avoid the destructive consequences of inability. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified the importance of acquiring knowledge and using it to benefit oneself and others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Inability bears the fruit of destruction,

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to strive to fulfill their obligations and responsibilities to the best of their abilities. It warns against the dangers of negligence, ignorance, and the consequences that arise from being unable to fulfill our duties. By seeking knowledge, developing our skills, and continuously improving ourselves, we can avoid the destructive outcomes that result from our inability. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to fulfill our obligations and protect us from the perils of inability.