Hadith #8377

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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, "مَنْ تَقاعَسَ إعْتاقَ۔" This can be translated as,

One who tarries lets [the opportunity] go.

In this concise statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of seizing opportunities and not delaying or hesitating when they arise.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of taking action and seizing opportunities in various verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah says,

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 reminds us that time is a valuable resource, and wasting it leads to loss. Taking action and doing righteous deeds are essential for success.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of treating others with justice and righteousness, without delay or hesitation. It emphasizes the need to seize opportunities to do good and be fair to others.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that when we hesitate or delay in taking action, we let opportunities slip away. It encourages us to be proactive and seize the moment, whether it is in matters of faith, personal growth, or social interactions.

For example, when it comes to seeking knowledge, we should not procrastinate or delay our efforts. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant. Therefore, if we have the opportunity to learn and acquire knowledge, we should not hesitate but rather seize it.

Furthermore, this Hadith also applies to our relationships with others. We should not delay in reconciling with someone or seeking forgiveness when we have wronged them. The Quran encourages us to mend broken relationships and seek forgiveness. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

Indeed, the believers are brothers. So make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

By taking immediate action to reconcile and make peace, we can strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and receive Allah's mercy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to seize opportunities and not let them slip away. It encourages us to be proactive in matters of faith, personal growth, and relationships. By taking immediate action, we can make the most of our time and strive for success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to seize every opportunity that comes our way.