Hadith #4291

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

At times the distant may come close and the close may become distant.

This impactful saying holds deep wisdom and can be understood through the lens of the Quran.

The word (qaruba) "قَرُبَ" in the Hadith refers to closeness or proximity, while (ba'eed) "بَعِيدُ" means distant or far away. These words highlight the fluctuating nature of relationships and circumstances. Sometimes, what seems distant or far away can unexpectedly become close, and what appears close can suddenly become distant.

This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Quran in Surah Al-Isra, verse 81, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: 'The truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed, falsehood is ever bound to depart.'

This verse signifies that truth, which may have seemed distant or hidden, eventually prevails and becomes close and apparent. Similarly, falsehood, which may have appeared close and dominant, eventually fades away and becomes distant.

Another Quranic verse that supports the understanding of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 30, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [remember] 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 demonstrates that even when the enemies of Islam plotted against the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Muslims, their plans ultimately failed, and the believers emerged victorious. The distant threat of harm became close to the disbelievers, while the close protection of Allah made the believers' enemies distant.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that our perception of distance and closeness can change, and we should not be deceived by appearances. It teaches us to have faith in Allah's divine plan and to trust that He can bring the distant near and make the close distant.

For example, in our personal lives, we may face challenges or difficulties that seem insurmountable and distant from resolution. However, through patience, perseverance, and reliance on Allah, these seemingly distant problems can be resolved and brought close to us. Similarly, we may have close relationships that unexpectedly become distant due to misunderstandings or conflicts. By seeking forgiveness, communication, and reconciliation, we can bridge the gap and restore closeness.

This Hadith also reminds us of the transient nature of worldly affairs. Material possessions, power, and fame can appear close and desirable, but they can quickly become distant and lose their significance. Conversely, acts of worship, good deeds, and seeking knowledge may initially seem distant and challenging, but they can bring us closer to Allah and have everlasting rewards.

In the context of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), this Hadith reflects his profound knowledge and wisdom. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understanding of the fluctuating nature of relationships and circumstances allowed him to navigate through various challenges and make informed decisions. His ability to discern the true nature of people and situations enabled him to bring the distant closer and maintain his steadfastness in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us to be mindful of the ever-changing nature of our relationships and circumstances. It reminds us to have faith in Allah's plan and to trust that He can bring the distant near and make the close distant. By understanding this concept, we can navigate through life's challenges with wisdom, patience, and reliance on Allah. May Allah guide us to the straight path and grant us the ability to recognize the true nature of things.