Hadith #835

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

For everything there is a vexation and the vexation of your lifetime is [being in] the company of an enemy.

Let us delve into the depths of this Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

The Arabic word (nakad) "نَكَدٌ" used in this Hadith refers to a state of distress, hardship, or vexation. It signifies the challenges and difficulties that one encounters in life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that every aspect of life has its own share of hardships, trials, and tribulations. These difficulties are an inevitable part of our existence in this world.

To further understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155:

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 highlights that trials and tribulations are a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and are an integral part of our journey in this world. They serve as a means to purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and elevate our spiritual ranks. Just as every aspect of life has its own share of difficulties, the ultimate test of our lifetime is to face and overcome the challenges posed by our enemies.

The word (aduw) "عَدُوِّ" in the Hadith refers to an enemy. This enemy can manifest in various forms, such as physical adversaries, spiritual temptations, or even our own inner struggles. It represents anything that opposes our path towards righteousness and seeks to hinder our spiritual growth.

In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 30, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse reminds us of the challenges faced by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the early Muslims. They were constantly targeted by their enemies who sought to harm them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, through their unwavering faith and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), they were able to overcome these trials and emerge victorious.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the fact that the vexation of our lifetime lies in the company of an enemy. This encompasses not only the external enemies we may encounter but also the internal struggles within ourselves. Our desires, temptations, and negative traits can become our greatest adversaries if we allow them to control us.

The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 56:

Indeed, you [O Muhammad] do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights that true guidance comes from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. It is through His mercy and guidance that we can navigate the challenges posed by our enemies, both external and internal. By seeking His help, we can overcome the vexations of our lifetime and emerge stronger in our faith and character.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded that life is a journey filled with trials and tribulations. It is through these challenges that we grow and develop as individuals. The presence of an enemy, whether external or internal, serves as a catalyst for our spiritual growth and self-improvement.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, guides us to recognize the importance of facing our enemies head-on. By confronting our fears, doubts, and negative influences, we can transform these vexations into opportunities for self-reflection, self-improvement, and ultimately, spiritual elevation.

In conclusion, this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that every aspect of life carries its own share of difficulties. The ultimate test of our lifetime lies in facing and overcoming the challenges posed by our enemies, both external and internal. By relying on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His guidance, we can navigate through these vexations and emerge stronger in our faith and character. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome the challenges of life and attain success in this world and the Hereafter.