Hadith #7759

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever falls short in [his] action, Allah, the Glorified, afflicts him with distress; and Allah has no need for one who spares nothing of himself or his wealth [for attaining His pleasure].

This enlightening saying highlights the consequences of neglecting one's duties and the importance of sincere and wholehearted devotion in the path of Allah.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qassara) "قَصَّرَ" means to fall short or to be deficient in something. In this context, it refers to falling short in fulfilling one's religious obligations and duties. The word (ibtalah) "اِبْتَلاهُ" means to afflict or test someone. Here, it signifies that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) tests those who neglect their responsibilities with distress or hardships.

To comprehend the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reminds us that Allah's tests are within our capacity to endure. However, when we fall short in our actions and neglect our duties, we invite difficulties upon ourselves.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried?

This verse emphasizes that trials and tests are an integral part of our journey of faith. When we fail to fulfill our obligations, we are tested to remind us of our shortcomings and to encourage us to rectify our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the futility of sparing nothing of oneself or one's wealth for attaining Allah's pleasure. This means that merely performing outward acts of worship without true sincerity and devotion is of no value in the sight of Allah. In Surah Al-Ma'un (107:4-7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) condemns those who neglect their obligations to others and focus solely on their own desires. This serves as a reminder that true righteousness encompasses both fulfilling our religious duties and treating others with kindness and compassion.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that falling short in our actions and neglecting our responsibilities can lead to distress and hardships in our lives. It serves as a wake-up call to assess our actions and strive for improvement. We must remember that true devotion to Allah requires sincerity, wholeheartedness, and a balance between fulfilling our religious obligations and fulfilling the rights of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the consequences of neglecting our duties and the importance of sincere and wholehearted devotion in the path of Allah. It urges us to reflect on our actions, strive for improvement, and seek Allah's pleasure through a balanced approach to worship and fulfilling the rights of others. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and grant us the strength to fulfill our obligations with sincerity and devotion.