Hadith #8463

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

أبْلَغُ الشَّكوى ما نَطَقَ بِهِ ظاهِرُ البَلْوى۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as:

The most apprising complaint is that which is enunciated by manifest affliction.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (abligh) "أبْلَغُ" means to convey or express something fully and completely. It implies the idea of reaching the utmost extent or making something known in its entirety. The term (ash-shakwa) "الشَّكوى" refers to a complaint or grievance, expressing dissatisfaction or distress. (ma nataqa bihi) "ما نَطَقَ بِهِ" means that which is spoken or articulated. And finally, (zahir al-balwa) "ظاهِرُ البَلْوى" refers to manifest or apparent affliction.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 is aware of our capabilities and does not burden us with trials and tribulations beyond our capacity to handle. Therefore, when we face difficulties, it is an opportunity for us to express our complaints and grievances to Allah, seeking His help and guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (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 emphasizes that trials and hardships are an inevitable part of life. They serve as a test of our faith and patience. When we face manifest afflictions, it is a reminder for us to turn to Allah, expressing our complaints and seeking solace in His mercy and guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, highlights the significance of expressing our complaints during times of manifest affliction. This Hadith teaches us that when we are faced with hardships that are apparent and undeniable, it is a time to fully and sincerely express our grievances to Allah. It is through this sincere expression of our difficulties that we can find solace, comfort, and guidance from our Creator.

When we articulate our complaints to Allah, we acknowledge our dependency on Him and seek His intervention in our lives. This act of expressing our grievances is a form of worship, as it demonstrates our trust in Allah's wisdom and His ability to alleviate our hardships. It is a means of strengthening our connection with our Creator and seeking His mercy and assistance.

Moreover, when we openly express our complaints to Allah during times of manifest affliction, it allows us to reflect on our own shortcomings and seek repentance. It reminds us of our need for self-improvement and spiritual growth. Through these trials, we are given the opportunity to purify our hearts, strengthen our faith, and develop resilience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the most effective way to express our complaints is during times of manifest affliction. It is during these challenging moments that we should turn to Allah, fully and sincerely articulating our grievances, seeking His guidance, mercy, and assistance. By doing so, we strengthen our relationship with our Creator, find solace in His mercy, and embark on a journey of self-reflection and spiritual growth. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to express our complaints in the most sincere and effective manner.