Planning Before Action: A Shield Against Regret

Reflecting on the Wisdom of Imam Ali (a) through the Teachings of al-ʿAbd al-ʿAẓīm al-Ḥasanī (a)

Introduction:

The 15th of Shawwāl marks the death anniversary of al-ʿAbd al-ʿAẓīm al-Ḥasanī (a), a noble descendant of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) and one of the great transmitters of hadith in the Shi’i tradition. Renowned for his piety, scholarship, and devotion to the Imams (a), he played a pivotal role in preserving the teachings of Islam for generations to come.

Among the many gems of wisdom preserved through his efforts is a brief yet profound narration from the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Ṭālib (a), reminding us of the essential principle of thoughtful planning before acting. This principle carries weight across all ages and circumstances, and is particularly meaningful in today’s fast-paced world:

«أَلتَّدْبیرُ قَبلَ الْعَمَلِ یُؤْمِنُکَ مِنَ النَّدَمِ» (عیون أخبار الرضا، حدیث ۲۰۴)

“Planning before action protects you from regret.” (ʿUyūn Akhbār al-Riḍā, Ḥadīth 204)

This beautiful hadith has several important messages for different groups of the society. Some of these messages have been outlined here.

Educational Messages from the Hadith for Teenagers and Youth:

1. Begin With the End in Mind

Before making a decision—whether it’s in studies, friendships, or online behaviour—pause and consider the long-term consequences. The phrase «أَلتَّدْبیرُ قَبلَ الْعَمَلِ» (“Planning before action”) urges us not to act impulsively but to weigh outcomes. Many regrets in life come from decisions made without fully considering what might come after. Thinking ahead allows you to avoid unnecessary harm—to yourself and others—and to act with wisdom and responsibility. A well-thought-out decision today can prevent deep regret tomorrow.

Practical Challenge: Before you take any significant action this week, take a few minutes to write down possible outcomes—both positive and negative—and then decide.

2. Empathise Before Deciding

Put yourself in the shoes of others who may be affected by your decisions. This will help you choose more ethical and considerate paths. If you wouldn’t want a decision made about you, don’t make it for others. True fairness begins when we measure our choices not just by how they serve us, but by how justly they treat those around us. The principle of «أَلتَّدْبیرُ قَبلَ الْعَمَلِ» (“Planning before action”) calls us to think with compassion and equity before we act.

Practical Challenge: Think of a recent choice you made that affected others. Reflect: Would you have appreciated that decision if you were on the receiving end?

3. Avoid Hastiness

In our digital age, quick responses are often expected—but wisdom lies in calm and calculated decisions. The word «یُؤْمِنُکَ مِنَ النَّدَمِ» (“protects you from regret”) emphasises that deliberation brings peace of mind.

Practical Challenge: Delay your next social media post or message by 10 minutes—review it and revise if necessary, before sending.

4. Learn From the Mistakes of Others

The smart person learns from mistakes—but the wiser one learns from others’ mistakes. Ask yourself: how many regrets could be avoided by simply observing what went wrong for someone else?

Practical Challenge: Speak with someone older and ask them about a regret they had—what decision would they make differently today?

Educational Messages from the Hadith for Parents:

1. Be a Living Example of Deliberation

Children learn more from what we do than what we say. Model careful decision-making. Explain your thinking process aloud so they understand how to make balanced judgments.

Practical Challenge: The next time you make a family-related decision, share the reasoning with your children—let them learn your method.

2. Use Stories as Lessons

Storytelling is powerful. Share real-life examples of those who faced difficulties because they acted without foresight. Such stories help children understand the stakes of their choices.

Practical Challenge: Pick one story this week (from news, history, or personal experience) and discuss its lessons during a family meal.

3. Teach Planning as a Daily Habit

Help your children organise their day the night before. Encourage them to make to-do lists and anticipate challenges. «التدبير قبل العمل» (“Planning before action”) becomes easier when taught as a habit from a young age. Studies in developmental psychology show that children who engage in structured planning develop stronger executive functioning skills—such as impulse control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Neurological research also suggests that prefrontal cortex activity increases with goal-oriented thinking, reinforcing long-term decision-making abilities.

Practical Challenge: Each evening, sit down with your child to review the upcoming day and help them identify 1–2 things they can prepare for in advance.

Educational Messages from the Hadith for Imams and Community Leaders:

1. Explain the Ethics of Deliberation

Guide your audience in understanding different forms of deliberation—personal, spiritual, communal. Use real-life examples where people faced regret due to hasty actions and contrast them with those who planned and prospered.

Practical Challenge: In your next sermon, include a short scenario or parable illustrating the outcome of both rushed and planned decisions.

2. Connect Planning with Divine Wisdom

Remind your congregation that Allah SWT Himself has a system of tadbīr—divine planning. Humans, made in the best form, are also encouraged to emulate this in their own affairs. This hadith supports a Qur’anic worldview of rational, reflective life.

Practical Challenge: Introduce a short Qur’anic verse in your talk that highlights the concept of divine planning and invite discussion on its implications in daily life.

Last word:

The timeless wisdom of Imam Ali (a), transmitted to us by the noble al-ʿAbd al-ʿAẓīm al-Ḥasanī (a), offers a profound reminder in just a few words: thoughtful preparation shields us from future sorrow. Whether in personal matters, parenting, or community leadership, this principle holds transformative power. In an era dominated by instant responses and shallow reflection, embracing «أَلتَّدْبیرُ قَبلَ الْعَمَلِ» is not just a spiritual teaching—it is a necessary tool for better living.

Let us not act first and think later. Let us think first, so we need not regret at all.