Hadith #51

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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,

Patience is of two kinds, patience over what pains you, and patience against what you covet.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the two different aspects of patience that a Muslim should possess.

The word (sabr) "صَبْرُ" is used in the Hadith, which means patience or endurance. It is derived from the root word (s-b-r) "ص ب ر", which conveys the idea of restraining oneself, persevering, and remaining steadfast in the face of difficulties or desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) explains that there are two types of patience. The first type is (sabrun 'ala ma takrah)

صَبْرٌ عَلَى مَا تَكْرَهُ

which means patience over what pains you. This refers to enduring hardships, trials, and tribulations that one dislikes or finds difficult to bear. It requires restraining oneself from complaining, despairing, or losing hope in the face of adversity.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of patience in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155, Allah says,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse reminds Muslims that they will inevitably face difficulties in life, but they should remain patient and trust in Allah's wisdom and plan.

The second type of patience mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (sabrun 'amma tuhibb) "صَبْرٌ عَمَّا تُحِبُّ", which means patience against what you covet. This refers to restraining oneself from indulging in desires and temptations that are prohibited or harmful. It requires self-control and discipline to resist the allure of worldly pleasures and to adhere to the teachings of Islam.

The Quran provides guidance on this aspect of patience as well. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 135, Allah says,

And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.

This verse encourages Muslims to exercise patience by refraining from sinful actions and seeking forgiveness when they falter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds great significance for Muslims. It reminds us that patience is not limited to enduring hardships but also encompasses self-restraint and control over our desires. By practicing both types of patience, we can attain a higher level of spirituality and strengthen our relationship with Allah.

When we exercise patience over what pains us, we develop resilience and trust in Allah's plan. We recognize that every difficulty we face is an opportunity for growth and a means of purification. By remaining patient in times of hardship, we demonstrate our faith and reliance on Allah's mercy and guidance.

Similarly, when we exercise patience against what we covet, we protect ourselves from falling into sinful behaviors and harmful desires. We recognize that true fulfillment and contentment lie in following the teachings of Islam and seeking Allah's pleasure. By practicing self-restraint, we strengthen our character and strive for moral excellence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate both types of patience in their lives. It encourages us to persevere through difficulties and challenges, while also restraining ourselves from indulging in forbidden desires. By embodying these qualities of patience, we can navigate the trials of life with grace and attain spiritual growth and closeness to Allah. May Allah grant us the strength to practice patience in all aspects of our lives.