Hadith #8613

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:

لاتُقْدِمْ عَلى ما تَخْشَى العَجْزَ عَنْهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not taking on tasks or responsibilities that one fears they may be incapable of fulfilling.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (tuqdim) "تُقْدِمْ" means "to undertake" or "to proceed with." It implies taking the initiative to engage in a particular action or task. The word (takhsha) "تَخْشَى" means "to fear" or

to be afraid of.

It signifies a sense of apprehension or concern. Lastly, the word (al-'ajz) "العَجْزَ" means "incapability" or "inability." It refers to a state of being unable to accomplish or fulfill a task.

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations to the best of our abilities. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, Allah says:

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.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah says:

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and strength in all our endeavors. It teaches us to rely on Him and to only undertake tasks that we are capable of handling.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a practical reminder for Muslims to assess their abilities and limitations before taking on any task. It encourages us to be realistic and humble in our approach to responsibilities. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary stress, failure, and disappointment.

For example, if a person is offered a job opportunity that requires skills they do not possess, it would be unwise for them to accept the position. By acknowledging their limitations and declining the offer, they can avoid potential failure and instead focus on opportunities that align with their abilities.

Similarly, in matters of religious practice, it is important to approach acts of worship with sincerity and knowledge. If a person fears that they may not be able to fulfill a particular religious obligation consistently, it is better for them to seek guidance and understanding before committing to it. This ensures that they can fulfill their obligations with excellence and avoid falling into negligence or inconsistency.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds Muslims to be mindful of their capabilities and limitations when undertaking tasks or responsibilities. It encourages us to seek Allah's guidance and to only engage in actions that we are confident we can fulfill. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary stress, failure, and disappointment, and instead strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the wisdom to discern our abilities and the strength to fulfill our responsibilities.