Hadith #2147

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,

الحزم بضاعة والتواني إضاعة

which translates to

Judiciousness is a provision and negligence is a loss.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of being proactive and decisive in our actions, while cautioning against laziness and indecisiveness.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used. (al-hazm) "الحزم" refers to judiciousness, determination, and firmness in decision-making. It implies being resolute and steadfast in pursuing one's goals and making sound choices. On the other hand, (at-tawani) "التواني" signifies negligence, hesitation, and indecisiveness. It refers to a lack of determination and a tendency to delay or procrastinate.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of judiciousness and warn against negligence. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.

This verse highlights the importance of being resolute in our faith and actively striving for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds us to be mindful of our actions and to be proactive in preparing for the future, both in this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a practical reminder for Muslims to adopt a proactive and decisive approach in all aspects of life. When we are judicious and resolute in our decision-making, we are better equipped to face challenges and achieve success. This applies to our personal lives, our relationships, and our pursuit of knowledge and spirituality.

For example, in our personal lives, being judicious means making wise choices and setting clear goals. It means taking responsibility for our actions and not being swayed by temporary desires or distractions. This can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life, as we are focused on what truly matters.

In our relationships, judiciousness allows us to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and make decisions that benefit both parties. It helps us avoid unnecessary arguments and misunderstandings, fostering harmony and unity within our families, communities, and society as a whole.

Moreover, in our pursuit of knowledge and spirituality, being judicious means seeking authentic sources of knowledge, critically analyzing information, and applying it in our lives. It means being proactive in our worship, seeking beneficial knowledge, and striving to improve ourselves spiritually.

On the other hand, negligence and indecisiveness can lead to missed opportunities, wasted time, and regret. When we are hesitant and indecisive, we may find ourselves stuck in a state of inertia, unable to progress or achieve our goals. This can hinder our personal growth, hinder our relationships, and hinder our spiritual development.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be judicious and proactive in their actions. By being resolute and determined, we can navigate through life's challenges, make wise choices, and achieve success in this world and the hereafter. Conversely, negligence and indecisiveness can lead to missed opportunities and regret. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to be judicious in all aspects of our lives.