لاإصابَةَ لِعَجُول۔
There is no achievement for the hasty.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Haste And The Hasty)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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, "لاإصابَةَ لِعَجُول۔" which translates to
There is no achievement for the hasty.
This concise statement carries profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect. Let us delve into its exegesis in light of the Quran.
The word (ajool) "عَجُول" in this Hadith refers to someone who is hasty, impulsive, and impatient. It describes a person who rushes into actions without proper consideration or reflection. Such individuals often make decisions without weighing the consequences or seeking guidance from Allah.
The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of patience, wisdom, and careful deliberation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:200),
O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.
This verse reminds us that success is attained through perseverance and patience, not through hastiness.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:169), Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the consequences of impulsive actions. He says,
And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. But the two angels do not teach anyone unless they say, 'We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic].' And [yet] they learn from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And the people learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the Children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have in the Hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew.
This verse highlights the story of the people who were led astray by the devils and engaged in magic. They were driven by their impulsive desires and did not consider the consequences of their actions. As a result, they harmed themselves and lost their share in the Hereafter. This serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid hasty decisions that may lead to negative outcomes.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to adopt a measured and thoughtful approach in our actions. It reminds us to seek knowledge, consult with others, and reflect upon the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah before making any decisions. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of hasty actions and ensure that our endeavors are guided by wisdom and righteousness.
For example, in matters of marriage, a hasty decision can lead to regret and unhappiness. The Quran advises us in Surah An-Nisa (4:3),
Marry those who are single among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty, and Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
This verse encourages us to consider the character and righteousness of a potential spouse, rather than rushing into a marriage based solely on superficial factors.
Similarly, in matters of business and financial transactions, the Quran advises us to be cautious and not rush into agreements without proper consideration. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188),
And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].
This verse reminds us to be mindful of our financial dealings and to avoid any form of injustice or exploitation.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)
There is no achievement for the hasty
serves as a valuable reminder for all Muslims. It emphasizes the importance of patience, wisdom, and careful deliberation in our actions. By avoiding hasty decisions and seeking guidance from the Quran and the Sunnah, we can ensure that our endeavors are guided by righteousness and lead to success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom and patience to make sound decisions and protect us from the harms of haste.
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