Hadith #7742

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ يُقَصِّرْ فيِ العَمَلِ يَزْدَدْ فَتْرَةً۔

This can be translated as,

One who falls short in his action increases his lassitude.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith to better understand its impactful message. The word (yuqassir) "يُقَصِّرْ" means to fall short or to be deficient in something. It implies not putting in enough effort or not fulfilling one's responsibilities adequately. The word (fatra) "فَتْرَةً" refers to lassitude or weariness. It signifies a state of exhaustion or fatigue that results from neglecting one's duties.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

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 emphasizes the importance of performing our actions with determination and steadfastness. When we fall short in our actions, we lose the strength and motivation to continue, leading to a state of weariness.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of falling short in our actions is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:67), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and conveying the message entrusted to us. If we neglect our duties, we not only harm ourselves but also fail in our obligation to guide others.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that when we fall short in our actions, we not only miss out on the rewards and blessings that come with fulfilling our duties but also experience a decline in our spiritual energy. This decline can manifest as a lack of motivation, decreased productivity, and a sense of weariness in our daily lives.

For example, if a Muslim neglects their daily prayers or performs them hastily without proper focus and concentration, they may feel a sense of emptiness and fatigue in their spiritual journey. Similarly, if one fails to fulfill their obligations towards their family, community, or society, they may experience a lack of fulfillment and purpose in their lives.

The consequences of falling short in our actions can extend beyond the individual level. When Muslims collectively neglect their responsibilities, it can lead to a decline in the overall well-being of the ummah. This can be seen in instances where social injustices persist, poverty remains rampant, and the values of Islam are not upheld.

Therefore, this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be diligent in their actions and to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. It urges us to fulfill our obligations with sincerity and dedication, knowing that our actions have far-reaching consequences. By doing so, we not only reap the rewards in this world and the hereafter but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that falling short in our actions leads to an increase in lassitude. It reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and striving for excellence in all that we do. By reflecting on the Quranic verses and understanding the consequences of neglecting our duties, we can motivate ourselves to be more diligent and conscientious in our actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to fulfill our obligations and increase our spiritual energy.