37/21. Chapter:
Jami at-Tirmidhi 2453 — Zeal, Slackening, and Moderation
The Hadith: "Indeed for Everything There is a Zeal"
Hadith About Zeal, Slackening, and Moderation in Worship
Jami at-Tirmidhi : 2453
Jami at-TirmidhiHadith Number 2453
حَدَّثَنَا يُوسُفُ بْنُ سَلْمَانَ أَبُو عُمَرَ الْبَصْرِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا حَاتِمُ بْنُ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَجْلاَنَ، عَنِ الْقَعْقَاعِ بْنِ حَكِيمٍ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " إِنَّ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ شِرَّةً وَلِكُلِّ شِرَّةٍ فَتْرَةً فَإِنْ كَانَ صَاحِبُهَا سَدَّدَ وَقَارَبَ فَارْجُوهُ وَإِنْ أُشِيرَ إِلَيْهِ بِالأَصَابِعِ فَلاَ تَعُدُّوهُ " . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ غَرِيبٌ مِنْ هَذَا الْوَجْهِ . - وَقَدْ رُوِيَ عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ " بِحَسْبِ امْرِئٍ مِنَ الشَّرِّ أَنْ يُشَارَ إِلَيْهِ بِالأَصَابِعِ فِي دِينٍ أَوْ دُنْيَا إِلاَّ مَنْ عَصَمَهُ اللَّهُ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Prophet (s.a.w) said: "Indeed For Everything There Is A Zeal, And For Every Zeal There Is A Slackening. So If Its Practitioner Behaves Properly, And Is Moderate, Then Hope For Him (For His Success). But If The Fingers Are Pointed To Him, Then Do Not Count Him (Among The Worthy)." It Has Been Related From Anas Bin Malik That The Prophet Saw Said: "It Is Sufficient Evil For A Man That Fingers Be Raised Against Him, Regarding Religion Or Worldly Matters, Except For One Whom Allah Has Protected."
[1] Due to his being known for excessiveness.Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2453In-book reference : Book 37, Hadith 39English translation : Vol. 4, Book 11, Hadith 2453
Summary of Jami at-Tirmidhi Hadith 2453
This hadith about moderation teaches a very human lesson. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that everything has a period of zeal, and every zeal has a slackening. If the person behaves properly and stays moderate, then hope for him. But if fingers are pointed at him, then do not count him among the worthy. The wording warns against showy fame in religious or worldly matters. It does not reject energy in worship; it teaches that energy must be guided by proper conduct and balance. The related wording mentioned in the report says it is enough evil for a person that fingers be raised against him, except one whom Allah protects.
What we learn from this hadith
- Religious zeal can rise and later slow down.
- Moderation and proper conduct are praised.
- Being known for display can be spiritually dangerous.
- Success is hoped for the person who stays balanced.
