Hadith #2189

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

الحازمُ يَقْظانٌ، الغافِلُ وَسْنانٌ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

The judicious one is alert, the negligent one is sleepy.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to better understand its beautiful message.

The word (al-hazim) "الحازمُ" refers to the one who is determined, resolute, and firm in his actions and decisions. This person possesses the quality of being steadfast and unwavering in the face of challenges and temptations. Such an individual is vigilant and watchful, always aware of his surroundings and the consequences of his actions.

On the other hand, the word (al-ghafil) "الغافِلُ" refers to the one who is negligent, heedless, and unaware. This person is characterized by a lack of attentiveness and mindfulness. They are oblivious to the potential dangers and pitfalls that may lie ahead, and as a result, they are prone to making hasty and ill-informed decisions.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18),

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being mindful and cautious in our actions. It urges us to be aware of the consequences of our deeds and to strive for righteousness.

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

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

This verse encourages us to be steadfast and determined in our faith, to remain vigilant in our worship, and to be conscious of Allah's presence at all times.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark contrast between the judicious and the negligent. The judicious individual, who is alert and watchful, possesses the ability to make wise decisions and navigate through the challenges of life. They are aware of the potential consequences of their actions and strive to align themselves with the teachings of Islam.

On the other hand, the negligent individual, who is described as sleepy, lacks the necessary awareness and mindfulness. They are prone to making impulsive and ill-considered choices, often leading to negative outcomes. Their negligence stems from a lack of understanding and a failure to recognize the importance of being vigilant in their faith and actions.

This Hadith serves as a reminder to all Muslims of the importance of being mindful and alert in our daily lives. It urges us to be proactive in seeking knowledge, understanding, and practicing our religion. By being vigilant and watchful, we can avoid falling into the traps of negligence and make informed decisions that are in line with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of being judicious and alert, as opposed to being negligent and sleepy. It reminds us to be vigilant and mindful in our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. By being steadfast and resolute in our faith, we can navigate through the challenges of life and strive for success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to be among the judicious and alert.