Hadith #8327

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أوَّلُ العِبادَةِ اِنْتِظارُ الفَرَجِ بِالصَّبْرِ۔

This can be translated as,

The first act of worship is waiting for relief with patience.

Let us delve into the words of this profound Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ibadah) "عِبادَةِ" refers to acts of worship, devotion, and servitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses all actions that are done sincerely for the sake of pleasing Allah and seeking His pleasure. The word (intidar) "اِنْتِظارُ" means waiting or anticipating, while (al-faraj) "الفَرَجِ" refers to relief, deliverance, or the fulfillment of one's needs. Lastly, (bissabr) "بِالصَّبْرِ" means with patience.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 in seeking Allah's assistance and relief. It highlights that patience is an essential aspect of worship and a means to attain closeness to Allah.

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 emphasizes the significance of patience in times of hardship and adversity. It reminds us that patience is not only a virtue but also a source of strength and resilience.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The first act of worship is not merely performing rituals or engaging in outward acts of devotion. Rather, it is the internal state of waiting for relief with patience. This implies that true worship involves recognizing our dependence on Allah, acknowledging that He is the ultimate source of relief and fulfillment of our needs.

When we face challenges, difficulties, or unfulfilled desires, our response should not be one of despair or impatience. Instead, we should turn to Allah with patience, knowing that He is the bestower of relief and the one who can alleviate our burdens. This act of waiting for relief with patience is an act of submission, trust, and reliance on Allah's divine wisdom and timing.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that true worship is not limited to specific acts or rituals. It encompasses our entire existence and how we navigate the trials and tribulations of life. By waiting for relief with patience, we demonstrate our faith in Allah's plan and our willingness to surrender to His will.

This Hadith also reminds us of the importance of patience in our daily lives. Patience is not merely a passive state of endurance; it is an active virtue that enables us to persevere, maintain our composure, and make the best of every situation. It is through patience that we develop resilience, inner strength, and a deeper connection with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the first act of worship is not a physical act, but rather an internal state of waiting for relief with patience. It emphasizes the significance of patience in seeking Allah's assistance and highlights its role in strengthening our faith and character. May we strive to embody this profound teaching in our lives as Muslims, seeking relief from Allah with patience and trust in His divine plan.