Hadith #3485

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Man ta'akhkhara tadbeeruhu taqaddama tadeeruhu,

which translates to,

One whose planning is delayed, his destruction is expedited.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of timely and effective decision-making in our lives.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "ta'akhkhara" refers to delaying or postponing something, while "tadbeer" means planning or strategizing. On the other hand, "taqaddama" signifies moving forward or advancing, and "tadeer" denotes destruction or ruin.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of taking action and making timely decisions. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah says, (Quran 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 urgency of utilizing our time wisely and engaging in righteous actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 60:1)

O you who have believed, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, extending to them affection while they have disbelieved in what came to you of the truth

This verse emphasizes the importance of making wise decisions and not aligning ourselves with those who oppose the truth.

Now, let us reflect on the significance of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. When we delay our planning or fail to make timely decisions, we hinder our progress and expose ourselves to potential destruction. Just as a building without a solid foundation is prone to collapse, delaying our planning can lead to disastrous consequences.

For example, imagine a student who consistently procrastinates and delays studying for exams. As a result, they are ill-prepared and perform poorly in their exams, jeopardizing their academic success. Similarly, in the realm of personal relationships, delaying important conversations or failing to address issues promptly can lead to misunderstandings and the deterioration of relationships.

In the context of our spiritual journey, delaying repentance or neglecting our obligations can have severe consequences. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 2:168)

And do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy

If we delay seeking forgiveness and fail to rectify our actions, we become vulnerable to the whispers of Satan and distance ourselves from Allah's mercy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us to be proactive in our decision-making and planning. It urges us to prioritize and take timely action in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary difficulties and ensure our progress and success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of timely decision-making and planning. It warns us that delaying our actions can lead to destruction and hinder our progress. By reflecting on the guidance of the Quran, we understand the significance of utilizing our time wisely and making informed choices. May we all strive to be proactive and make decisions that align with the teachings of Islam.