Hadith #3488

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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, "لا عَقلَ كالتَّدبيرِ۔" This can be translated as,

There is no wisdom like planning.

In this profound statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of planning and strategic thinking in the pursuit of wisdom and success.

The word (aql) "عَقْلَ" in this Hadith refers to intellect or wisdom. It is the faculty of reasoning and understanding that distinguishes humans from other creatures. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, highlights the significance of utilizing this God-given intellect in the form of planning.

The word (tadbir) "تَّدْبِيرِ" is derived from the root word (dabbara) "دَبَّرَ", which means to plan, organize, or manage. It implies the act of carefully considering and arranging the steps needed to achieve a desired outcome. Tadbir involves foresight, deliberation, and the ability to anticipate and address potential challenges or obstacles.

To further understand the importance of planning in Islam, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the value of planning and foresight in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:60), Allah says,

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy.

This verse highlights the necessity of strategic planning and preparation in times of conflict. It encourages Muslims to utilize their resources and capabilities to the best of their abilities in order to defend themselves and uphold justice. By doing so, they can achieve their objectives more effectively and deter potential threats.

Another verse that emphasizes the importance of planning is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), where Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to plan for the future. It encourages them to reflect on their deeds and make conscious choices that align with the teachings of Islam. By planning and preparing for the future, Muslims can ensure that their actions are in accordance with the principles of righteousness and piety.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

There is no wisdom like planning,

serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt a proactive approach in all aspects of their lives. It encourages them to think ahead, set goals, and take the necessary steps to achieve those goals. By planning, Muslims can avoid hasty decisions, minimize risks, and maximize their chances of success.

Furthermore, planning is not limited to worldly matters but also extends to spiritual growth and development. Muslims should plan their acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, in order to establish a consistent and meaningful connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By organizing their time and prioritizing their religious obligations, they can attain a higher level of spirituality and draw closer to their Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

There is no wisdom like planning,

emphasizes the significance of strategic thinking and foresight in the pursuit of wisdom and success. It encourages Muslims to utilize their intellect and plan their actions in all aspects of life, be it worldly or spiritual. By doing so, they can make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals in a manner that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the wisdom to plan and the ability to implement our plans in a manner that brings us closer to Him.