ما أُصيبَ مَنْ صَبَرَ۔
He who is patient is not afflicted.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Patience And The Patient)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.
The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:
ما أُصيبَ مَنْ صَبَرَ۔
This can be translated as:
He who is patient is not afflicted.
This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of patience in the face of trials and tribulations.
Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (usiba) "أُصيبَ" is derived from the root word (sabara) "صَبَرَ", which means to be afflicted, to suffer, or to be tested. It refers to the various challenges and difficulties that one may encounter in life. The word (sabara) "صَبَرَ" itself comes from the root word (sabr) "صَبَر", which means patience.
Patience, in the Islamic context, is not simply enduring hardships with a passive attitude. It is an active virtue that involves maintaining composure, perseverance, and steadfastness in the face of adversity. It is about having trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and relying on His wisdom and guidance.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that those who possess true patience are not afflicted by the trials they face. This does not mean that they are immune to difficulties, but rather that they are able to navigate through them with strength and resilience. They do not allow the challenges to overwhelm them or cause them to lose hope. Instead, they maintain their faith and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), knowing that He is the ultimate source of relief and ease.
The concept of patience is beautifully highlighted in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153):
O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.
This verse emphasizes the importance of patience as a means of seeking assistance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always with those who demonstrate patience in their trials.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:
And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.
This verse encourages believers to remain patient and steadfast in their obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His Messenger (ﷺ). It reminds us that true strength lies in patience and that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always with those who demonstrate patience.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to cultivate patience in their lives. It teaches us that through patience, we can navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience. Patience enables us to maintain our faith, seek Allah's assistance, and ultimately emerge stronger from our trials.
When we face difficulties, whether they are personal, societal, or global, we should remember the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By embodying patience, we can find solace in the knowledge that our afflictions do not define us. Instead, they become opportunities for growth, self-reflection, and spiritual elevation.
May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to cultivate true patience in our lives and may He bless us with the ability to navigate through trials with grace and resilience. Ameen.
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