Hadith #7695

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

The reward for an action is to the extent of the difficulty [endured] in it.

This wise utterance highlights the principle that the reward for any deed is directly proportional to the effort and hardship invested in performing it.

Let us delve deeper into the important words of this Hadith. The word (thawab) "ثَوابُ" refers to the reward or recompense that one receives for their actions in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses both the blessings and the spiritual benefits that are granted to the doer of good deeds. The word (al-'amal) "العَمَلِ" refers to any act or deed, whether it be a physical action or an internal state of the heart. It encompasses all forms of worship and righteous acts.

The phrase (ala qadril mashaaqah feeh)

عَلى قَدْرِ المَشَقَّةِ فيهِ

translates to

to the extent of the difficulty [endured] in it.

This emphasizes that the reward for an action is directly proportional to the level of hardship and struggle faced in performing that action. The more challenging the task, the greater the reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This principle is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286: (2:286)

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

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and does not place upon us a burden that exceeds our capacity. Therefore, when we face difficulties in performing good deeds, we can take solace in the fact that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) knows our limits and will reward us accordingly.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan, verse 22, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (76:22)

No soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do.

This verse reminds us that the true extent of the rewards for our actions is beyond our comprehension. We may face hardships and challenges in this world, but the rewards that await us in the hereafter are far greater and more magnificent than we can imagine.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful motivation for Muslims to persevere and endure difficulties in their pursuit of righteousness. It reminds us that the path to attaining Allah's pleasure is not always easy, but the rewards that await us are immeasurable. When we face challenges in our worship, such as waking up for Fajr prayer, fasting long hours in Ramadan, or giving generously in charity, we should remember that the greater the struggle, the greater the reward.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of sincerity in our actions. When we face difficulties, it is an opportunity to purify our intentions and seek Allah's pleasure alone. By enduring hardships for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we demonstrate our devotion and commitment to Him. This sincerity and dedication in the face of adversity will undoubtedly increase the reward for our actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the principle that the reward for an action is directly proportional to the difficulty endured in performing it. This principle is supported by various Quranic verses that highlight Allah's knowledge of our capabilities and the unimaginable rewards that await us in the hereafter. It serves as a powerful motivation for Muslims to persevere and endure hardships in their pursuit of righteousness, knowing that the greater the struggle, the greater the reward. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and determination to face challenges in our worship and may He reward us abundantly for our efforts.