Hadith #22

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنْ أَبْطَأَ بِهِ عَمَلُهُ لَمْ يُسْرِعْ بِهِ حَسَبُهُ۔

This Hadith carries a beautiful message about the importance of one's actions and their consequences. Let us delve into its exegesis in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (abta'a) "أَبْطَأَ" and (yusri') "يُسْرِعْ". "أَبْطَأَ" refers to someone whose actions are slow or delayed, while "يُسْرِعْ" refers to someone who hastens or speeds up their actions. These words highlight the significance of the speed and efficiency with which we perform our deeds.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:21), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Race one another in forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of hastening towards forgiveness and seeking the pleasure of Allah. It encourages Muslims to compete with one another in performing good deeds and seeking closeness to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:61), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And never did We send a messenger or a prophet before you, but when he wished, Satan threw into it (the desire) of his wish. But Allah abolishes that which Satan throws in; then Allah makes His verses explicit. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.

This verse highlights the importance of being swift in following the guidance of the messengers and prophets, without giving any opportunity for Satan to cast doubts or temptations.

Based on these Quranic verses, we can understand the exegesis of the Hadith as follows: If someone's actions are slow or delayed, they cannot expect to be given a prominent position solely based on their lineage or social status. It is the swiftness and sincerity of one's actions that determine their position in the sight of Allah.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and strive for excellence in their deeds. It teaches us that our actions should not be sluggish or half-hearted, but rather performed with dedication and urgency. Just as we are encouraged to race towards forgiveness and compete in performing good deeds, we should also be swift in following the guidance of the messengers and prophets.

The consequences of delaying or neglecting our actions can be detrimental. It can lead to missed opportunities for spiritual growth, decreased rewards, and a weakened relationship with Allah. Conversely, being swift and efficient in our actions can bring about numerous benefits, such as increased blessings, a closer connection with Allah, and a higher status in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His profound understanding of the Quran and his exemplary actions serve as a guiding light for Muslims. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) knowledge and implementation of the Quranic teachings were unparalleled, and he serves as an inspiration for us to strive for excellence in our own actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of being swift and efficient in our actions. It emphasizes that our position in the sight of Allah is not determined by our lineage or social status, but rather by the sincerity and speed with which we perform our deeds. Let us strive to be among those who race towards forgiveness, compete in performing good deeds, and follow the guidance of the messengers and prophets. May Allah grant us the ability to hasten towards righteousness and attain His pleasure.