Hadith #5220

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 progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

كُلُّ شَقاءِ إلى رَخاء۔

This can be translated to mean,

Every wretchedness is [moving] towards ease.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

Let us delve into the important words in this Hadith. The word (shaqaa) "شَقاءِ" refers to wretchedness, hardship, or distress. It encompasses the various challenges and difficulties that we face in our lives. On the other hand, the word (rukhaa) "رَخاء۔" means ease, comfort, or relief. It represents the state of tranquility and contentment that we all seek.

To understand the meaning and significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us in Surah Inshirah (94:5-6),

Verily, with hardship, there is ease. Verily, with hardship, there is ease.

This Quranic verse beautifully echoes the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, emphasizing that every difficulty is accompanied by relief.

Furthermore, in Surah Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) tells us,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and does not place upon us burdens that are beyond our capacity to handle. Thus, even in the midst of our struggles, we can find solace in the knowledge that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has equipped us to overcome them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that hardships are not permanent. Just as night gives way to dawn, every difficulty will eventually be replaced by ease. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Quran in Surah Al-Inshirah (94:5-6), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeats the phrase

Verily, with hardship, there is ease

twice, emphasizing the certainty of relief after distress.

This Hadith also teaches us important lessons about patience and perseverance. When faced with challenges, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and disheartened. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that every hardship is a stepping stone towards ease. By maintaining patience and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can navigate through difficult times with resilience and hope.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the transient nature of worldly difficulties. Just as the seasons change and the tides ebb and flow, our lives are characterized by ups and downs. The challenges we face today may seem insurmountable, but they will eventually pass. This realization can provide us with the strength and motivation to persevere through our trials.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Every wretchedness is [moving] towards ease,

reminds us of the inherent balance in the divine plan. It reassures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our struggles and has ordained relief for every hardship. By placing our trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity, we can find solace in the knowledge that every difficulty is a stepping stone towards ease. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to endure and the wisdom to recognize the blessings that lie beyond our hardships.