Hadith #4539

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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, "الزَّلَلُ مَنْدَمَةٌ۔" which translates to

Lapses are a cause of regret.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (az-zalal) "الزَّلَلُ" refers to mistakes, errors, or slips. It signifies the human tendency to deviate from the right path or commit sins. This word emphasizes the imperfections and fallibility of human beings. The word (mandamah) "مَنْدَمَةٌ" means regret or remorse. It highlights the feeling of sorrow and repentance that arises within a person after committing a mistake or sin.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the inevitability of human errors and the importance of seeking forgiveness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 50:16)

And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.

This verse acknowledges the inherent weakness of human beings and their susceptibility to making mistakes. It emphasizes the need for self-reflection and seeking forgiveness from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, Allah says, (Quran 2:37)

And [mention] Adam, when he received from his Lord words [of revelation], and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, He is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.

This verse highlights the story of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his repentance after committing a mistake. It serves as a reminder that even the most righteous individuals can make errors, but sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness can lead to redemption.

Imam Ali's statement,

Lapses are a cause of regret,

encapsulates the essence of human nature and the importance of acknowledging our mistakes. It serves as a reminder that we are prone to errors, but it is our response to those mistakes that truly matters. When we recognize our faults and feel remorseful, we are motivated to rectify our actions and seek forgiveness from Allah.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect on their actions and strive for self-improvement. It reminds us that regret is not a negative emotion but rather a catalyst for positive change. When we feel remorse for our mistakes, it signifies our awareness of the consequences of our actions and our desire to rectify them.

Moreover, this Hadith emphasizes the significance of seeking forgiveness from Allah. In Surah Al-Zumar, Allah says, (Quran 39:53)

Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'

This verse reassures us that Allah's mercy is vast and encompasses all sins. It encourages us to turn to Him in repentance, knowing that He is the Most Forgiving and the Most Merciful.

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

Lapses are a cause of regret

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It highlights the inevitability of human errors and the importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah. By acknowledging our mistakes, feeling remorseful, and seeking repentance, we can embark on a journey of self-improvement and spiritual growth. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to seek forgiveness for our lapses.