Hadith #2055

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

الحر حر وإن مسه الضر

which translates to

The freeman is free even if hardship befalls him.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries deep spiritual and philosophical implications that can be understood through the lens of the Quran.

The word (hurr) "حر" in this Hadith refers to a person who possesses true freedom. It signifies a state of inner liberation, where one is not bound by external circumstances or material possessions. This freedom is not dependent on worldly comforts or the absence of hardships. Instead, it is a state of being that transcends the physical realm and is rooted in the spiritual realm.

To understand the concept of true freedom in Islam, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:3),

Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.

This verse highlights that true guidance comes from Allah, and it is not contingent upon the external circumstances of a person's life. A person can be guided and free in their faith, even in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Balad (90:11-16), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the path to true freedom and success. He says,

But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave. Or feeding on a day of severe hunger. An orphan of near relationship. Or a needy person in misery.

These verses emphasize that true freedom lies in acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness. It is not measured by material wealth or social status. A person who is free in the eyes of Allah is one who breaks through the barriers of selfishness and reaches out to those in need, even when they themselves may be facing hardships.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reflects his deep understanding of the Quranic teachings. He reminds us that true freedom is not external, but internal. It is a state of the heart and mind that remains unshaken by the trials and tribulations of life. A freeman, in the spiritual sense, is one who remains steadfast in their faith and principles, regardless of the challenges they face.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to cultivate true freedom within themselves. It encourages us to detach from the materialistic world and focus on the eternal values of faith, righteousness, and moral integrity. It teaches us that our freedom lies in our ability to rise above the difficulties of life and maintain our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His guidance.

When we embody the spirit of this Hadith, we become like the freeman described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). We are no longer slaves to our desires, fears, or external circumstances. Instead, we are liberated souls who find solace and strength in our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We are able to face hardships with patience and gratitude, knowing that our true freedom lies in our unwavering faith and trust in Allah's wisdom and mercy.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to embody the true freedom described in this Hadith. May He bless us with the strength to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of adversity. And may He guide us to the path of true liberation and success in this life and the Hereafter.