Hadith #9244

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لاتَتَّكِلْ في أُمُورِكَ عَلى كَسْلان۔

This can be translated as,

Do not rely on a lazy person in your affairs.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not depending on someone who lacks motivation and diligence in fulfilling their responsibilities.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (tatakil) "تَتَّكِلْ" means to rely or depend on someone. It implies entrusting someone with a task or responsibility. (umurika) "أُمُورِكَ" refers to one's affairs or matters, encompassing various aspects of life such as personal, social, and religious obligations. Lastly, (kaslan) "كَسْلان" denotes laziness or slothfulness, indicating a lack of effort and commitment.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of hard work, diligence, and responsibility. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse highlights the need for balance in our lives, where we should strive for success in both worldly and spiritual matters. It encourages us to fulfill our responsibilities and not neglect our duties.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah states,

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 reflects the importance of being steadfast and resolute in our actions. It reminds us to approach our affairs with determination and commitment, seeking strength and support from Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a practical reminder for Muslims to be cautious in choosing individuals to rely on. It advises against entrusting important matters to lazy individuals who lack dedication and motivation. By relying on such individuals, we risk the failure or negligence of our affairs, which can have detrimental consequences.

For instance, imagine a person who entrusts their business to a lazy employee. This employee consistently fails to meet deadlines, neglects their duties, and lacks the drive to improve. As a result, the business suffers from decreased productivity, missed opportunities, and potential financial losses. Similarly, in matters of religion, relying on a lazy person to fulfill religious obligations may lead to negligence in performing prayers, neglecting acts of charity, or failing to seek knowledge.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound wisdom in this Hadith encourages Muslims to seek individuals who are diligent, responsible, and motivated to fulfill their obligations. By doing so, we ensure the success and progress of our affairs, whether they are personal, social, or religious. It is crucial to surround ourselves with individuals who possess the qualities of determination, perseverance, and a strong work ethic.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious in relying on lazy individuals in their affairs. It emphasizes the importance of diligence, responsibility, and motivation in fulfilling our obligations. By choosing individuals who possess these qualities, we can ensure the success and progress of our endeavors, both in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom to discern and choose wisely.