Hadith #1401

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,

أصابَ مُتَأَنّ أوْ كادَ۔

This can be translated into English as,

The one who acts without haste is either successful or close to success.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of patience, deliberation, and careful consideration in our actions.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (asaaba) "أصابَ" means to attain, achieve, or succeed. It signifies reaching a desired outcome or goal. The term (muta'ann) "مُتَأَنّ" refers to someone who acts with patience, calmness, and thoughtfulness. It implies taking the time to assess a situation, weigh the options, and make informed decisions. The word (kaada) "كادَ" means to be close or near to something. It suggests that even if success is not immediately achieved, the one who acts with patience is still on the path to success and is in close proximity to it.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of patience and deliberation in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), Allah says,

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse reminds us that patience is a virtue that brings us closer to Allah and ensures His support and guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah states,

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

Here, Allah encourages us to persevere and endure in the face of challenges, reminding us that success comes to those who remain steadfast and patient.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It teaches us that rushing into actions without careful consideration can lead to mistakes, regrets, and failure. On the other hand, when we approach our actions with patience, thoughtfulness, and deliberation, we increase our chances of success.

Let us consider an example to illustrate this point. Imagine a person who is faced with a difficult decision regarding their career. They have two job offers, one promising immediate financial gain but lacking long-term stability, and the other offering steady growth and security but requiring patience and perseverance. If this person acts without haste and takes the time to carefully evaluate both options, considering their long-term goals and aspirations, they are more likely to make a wise decision that aligns with their values and leads to long-term success and fulfillment.

The consequences of acting without haste can be detrimental in various aspects of life. In personal relationships, hasty actions can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and broken bonds. In financial matters, impulsive decisions can result in financial loss and instability. In matters of faith, rushing into judgments without proper knowledge and understanding can lead to misguided beliefs and actions.

On the other hand, when we approach our actions with patience and thoughtfulness, we create a solid foundation for success. By taking the time to assess our options, seek guidance from Allah, and consult with knowledgeable individuals, we increase our chances of making informed decisions that align with our values and lead to positive outcomes.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of patience and deliberation in our actions. It teaches us that acting without haste leads to success or brings us closer to it. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of Allah, we can navigate through life's challenges with wisdom, patience, and steadfastness. May Allah grant us the ability to act with patience and deliberation in all aspects of our lives and bless us with success in this world and the Hereafter.