Prohibition of Procrastination

The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'O Abu Dharr, beware of procrastinating with your [high] hopes, for verily you have today [at your disposal] and have not yet reached tomorrow. When tomorrow comes to you, then be in it as you are in the present; [that way] even if you do not have tomorrow, you will not have regret for all that you neglected today.

Imam Ali (AS) said in a letter he wrote to one of his companions, 'Seize what you have left of your life, and do not keep [deferring] saying, 'Tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow', for verily those before you were ruined because of their persistent wishful thinking and their procrastination, until suddenly the command of Allah [i.e. death] overtook them while they were heedless.

Imam Ali (AS) said, 'He whom death overtakes early calls for more time, and he whose death is deferred continues to put forth excuses with further procrastination.

Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Do not be like one who hopes for [bliss in] the Hereafter without performance of good deeds, and delays repentance by holding high hopes [of being forgiven] … when faced with a desire, he is quick to commit a sin but delays the repentance.

Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS) said in his intimate supplication, 'And help me [by allowing me to] weep on account of my self, for indeed I have wasted my life away with procrastination and high hopes, and I have now stooped to the level of those who despair of any good to come.

Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, 'Beware of procrastination for verily it is the sea in which losers drown.

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'Delaying repentance is an act of self-delusion, and lengthy procrastination is an act of bewilderment.