Hadith #11253

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, "بِالتَّواني يَكُونُ الفَوْتُ۔" This can be translated as

Loss comes about through lethargy.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental consequences of laziness and lack of effort.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. (al-tawānī) "التَّواني" refers to laziness, slothfulness, or a state of being sluggish. It implies a lack of motivation, drive, and determination. (al-fawt) "الفَوْتُ" means loss, failure, or missing out on opportunities.

The teachings of the Quran emphasize the importance of exerting effort and avoiding laziness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3),

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 significance of taking action and striving towards righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

These verses from the Quran emphasize the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the need to prioritize actions that lead to eternal success. Laziness and lethargy can hinder our progress in both this life and the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the consequences of laziness. When we become complacent and fail to exert effort, we risk missing out on opportunities for growth, success, and spiritual elevation.

For example, in our daily lives, if we procrastinate and delay our obligations, we may face negative consequences such as missed deadlines, compromised quality of work, and strained relationships. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, if we neglect our prayers, neglect seeking knowledge, and fail to perform good deeds, we may experience a loss in our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and a decline in our spiritual well-being.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be proactive, diligent, and motivated in all aspects of life. It encourages us to strive for excellence, seek knowledge, and fulfill our responsibilities with sincerity and dedication. By doing so, we can avoid the loss that comes with laziness and instead attain success and fulfillment in this world and the hereafter.

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

Loss comes about through lethargy

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to avoid laziness and strive for excellence in all aspects of life. By exerting effort, seeking knowledge, and fulfilling our responsibilities with dedication, we can avoid the loss that comes with complacency and instead achieve success and spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and motivation to overcome laziness and become proactive individuals who strive for righteousness.