Hadith #269

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his thoughts and emotions while standing at the grave of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) at the time of burial. He begins by stating,

Certainly, endurance is good except about you.

Here, the word "endurance" refers to patience and steadfastness in the face of difficulties and trials. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acknowledges that patience is a praiseworthy quality in general, but when it comes to the Prophet (ﷺ), it takes on a whole new level of beauty and significance.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) faced numerous challenges and hardships throughout his life, from the persecution he endured in Makkah to the battles he fought in defense of Islam. Despite all of this, he remained patient and steadfast, never wavering in his commitment to spreading the message of Allah. His patience was not just limited to the physical realm, but also extended to the emotional and spiritual aspects of his life. He endured the loss of loved ones, the rejection of his own people, and the burden of responsibility placed upon him by Allah. His patience was a shining example for all Muslims to follow.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of patience and endurance in numerous verses. For example, Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155),

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 reminds us that trials and tribulations are a part of life, and it is through patience and endurance that we can overcome them.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states,

Fretting is bad except over you.

The word "fretting" refers to excessive worry or anxiety. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acknowledges that worrying excessively is generally seen as a negative trait, as it can lead to stress and anxiety. However, when it comes to the Prophet (ﷺ), any worry or concern is not only justified but also a sign of love and devotion.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) held a special place in the hearts of his companions and the entire Muslim ummah. They cared deeply for him and were genuinely concerned about his well-being. Their worry was not born out of fear or doubt, but rather out of love and a desire to protect and support him. This is evident in the incident of the Battle of Uhud, where the companions, including Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), were deeply worried about the safety of the Prophet (ﷺ) and went to great lengths to defend him.

The Quran also highlights the importance of caring for the Prophet (ﷺ) and showing concern for his well-being. In Surah At-Tawbah (9:61), Allah says,

And among them are those who annoy the Prophet and say, 'He is an ear.' Say, 'An ear of goodness for you; he believes in Allah and believes the believers and is a mercy to those who believe among you.'

This verse reminds us that the Prophet (ﷺ) is not just a messenger of Allah, but also a source of mercy and guidance for the believers. Therefore, it is natural for Muslims to feel a sense of worry and concern for his well-being.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

The affliction about you is great while every other affliction before or after it is small.

Here, the word "affliction" refers to any hardship or difficulty that one may face. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acknowledges that the trials and tribulations that the Prophet (ﷺ) faced throughout his life were of a much greater magnitude compared to any other hardship that anyone could ever experience.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) faced immense challenges in his mission to establish Islam and spread the message of Allah. He endured persecution, rejection, and even physical harm. The Battle of Uhud, for example, was a major test for the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions, as they faced a formidable enemy and suffered significant losses. Despite all of this, the Prophet (ﷺ) remained steadfast and continued to fulfill his role as the final messenger of Allah.

The Quran also emphasizes the magnitude of the Prophet's (ﷺ) mission and the challenges he faced. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:30), Allah says,

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 that the Prophet (ﷺ) faced constant opposition and threats to his life, yet he remained resolute in his mission and relied on Allah's guidance and protection.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the unique qualities and significance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It emphasizes the importance of patience and endurance in the face of trials and tribulations, the natural concern and love that Muslims have for the Prophet (ﷺ), and the magnitude of the challenges he faced in fulfilling his mission. May we all strive to embody these qualities and follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his noble companions. And Allah knows best.