Hadith #1290

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

A believer is thankful in [times of] comfort, patient in tribulation, and fearful in affluence.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the qualities that a true believer should possess in different circumstances of life. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (shakirun) "شاكِرٌ", which means "thankful" or "grateful." The believer is expected to express gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) during times of comfort and ease. This gratitude should not be limited to mere words, but should manifest in actions that reflect appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon them. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of gratitude in the Quran, stating, (Quran 14:7)

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

The second word is (sabirun) "صابِرٌ", which means "patient" or "enduring." The believer is expected to remain patient and steadfast during times of tribulation and hardship. This patience is not passive resignation, but an active perseverance in the face of difficulties. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 2:155-156)

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, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'

The third word is (kha'ifun) "خائفٌ", which means "fearful" or "apprehensive." The believer should be cautious and fearful in times of affluence and prosperity. This fear is not a fear of losing material possessions, but a fear of becoming heedless and neglectful of their duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a fear of being distracted by worldly pleasures and forgetting the ultimate purpose of life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran, (Quran 8:28)

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced approach in different circumstances of life. The believer should express gratitude during times of comfort, recognizing that all blessings come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They should remain patient and steadfast during times of tribulation, trusting in Allah's wisdom and seeking solace in His mercy. And finally, they should be cautious and fearful during times of affluence, constantly striving to remain focused on their spiritual journey and not be swayed by the temptations of the material world.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate these qualities in their lives. By being thankful, patient, and fearful in the appropriate circumstances, believers can attain spiritual growth and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It also serves as a warning against complacency and heedlessness, reminding us to constantly evaluate our actions and intentions.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be thankful, patient, and fearful in the right moments, and may He guide us on the path of righteousness.