Hadith #1703

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا تَجْتَمِعُ الصَّبْرُ والجَزَعُ۔

This can be translated as,

Patience and anxiety do not go together.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sabr) "صَبْرُ" refers to patience, perseverance, and steadfastness in the face of difficulties and trials. It is a quality highly emphasized in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly praises those who possess patience. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), Allah says,

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

On the other hand, the word (jazaa) "جَزَعُ" refers to anxiety, restlessness, and worry. It is a state of unease and distress that can cloud one's judgment and hinder their ability to make sound decisions. The Quran warns against succumbing to anxiety and encourages seeking solace in Allah's guidance. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:35), Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, highlights the incompatibility of patience and anxiety. He reminds us that these two states cannot coexist within a person. When one is patient, they trust in Allah's plan, have faith in His wisdom, and remain steadfast in their belief that He will alleviate their hardships. Conversely, anxiety stems from a lack of trust in Allah and a preoccupation with worldly concerns.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us reflect on the Quranic teachings. In Surah Al-Hajj (22:78), Allah says,

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving for the sake of Allah and trusting in His guidance. When we are patient and rely on Allah's wisdom, we find solace in knowing that He has chosen us and will not burden us beyond our capabilities.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reassures us that Allah is aware of our capabilities and will not burden us with more than we can handle. When we internalize this belief, we develop patience and trust in Allah's divine plan, which in turn alleviates anxiety and worry.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that patience and anxiety are contradictory states of being. By cultivating patience, we strengthen our relationship with Allah and develop a sense of tranquility amidst life's challenges. Patience allows us to navigate difficulties with grace, knowing that Allah's wisdom surpasses our limited understanding.

Conversely, anxiety hinders our ability to trust in Allah's plan and can lead to impulsive decisions driven by fear and worry. It clouds our judgment and prevents us from seeing the bigger picture. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to strive towards patience and seek refuge in Allah's guidance, as it is through patience that we can overcome adversity and grow spiritually.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Patience and anxiety do not go together,

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to cultivate patience and trust in Allah's plan. By doing so, we can overcome anxiety and find solace in the knowledge that Allah is with the patient. May Allah grant us the ability to embody patience in all aspects of our lives and protect us from the shackles of anxiety.