Hadith #5667

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

مَنْ لَمْ يُنْجِهِ الصَّبْرُ أهْلَكَهُ الجَزَعُ

which translates to

One who is not saved by patience, is destroyed by agitation.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of patience in our lives and warns us about the destructive consequences of agitation.

The word (sabr) "صَبْرُ" in this Hadith refers to patience, endurance, and steadfastness in the face of difficulties, trials, and tribulations. It is the ability to remain calm and composed, to control our emotions and reactions, and to persevere in the face of adversity. Patience is not simply passive acceptance, but an active virtue that empowers us to navigate through life's challenges with wisdom and resilience.

To understand the importance of patience, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes its significance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:155-156)

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, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'

This verse reminds us that trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of life. However, those who possess patience are the ones who remain steadfast and find solace in their faith. They recognize that everything ultimately belongs to Allah and that their true return is to Him. Patience enables them to face challenges with a sense of purpose and trust in Allah's wisdom and plan.

Another verse that emphasizes the importance of patience is found in Surah Al-Imran, where Allah says, (Quran 47:31)

And We will surely test you until We make evident those who strive among you and the patient, and We will test your affairs.

This verse highlights that the purpose of tests and trials is to distinguish those who strive and those who are patient. Patience is not a passive state but an active effort to persevere and strive for righteousness despite the difficulties. It is through patience that we demonstrate our trust in Allah and our commitment to His guidance.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that patience is not only a virtue but a means of salvation. It is through patience that we find protection and deliverance from the destructive forces of agitation and restlessness.

Agitation, or (al-jaza) "الجَزَعُ", refers to a state of anxiety, panic, and impatience. It is the opposite of patience and often leads to hasty decisions, irrational actions, and spiritual and emotional turmoil. When we allow ourselves to be consumed by agitation, we lose our ability to think clearly, make sound judgments, and maintain inner peace.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that those who are not saved by patience, who do not cultivate this virtue in their lives, will ultimately be destroyed by agitation. This destruction can manifest in various ways - it can lead to strained relationships, poor decision-making, spiritual stagnation, and a loss of inner peace and contentment.

To illustrate this, let us consider an example. Imagine a person facing a difficult financial situation. Without patience, they may become agitated and resort to impulsive actions, such as taking on excessive debt or engaging in unethical practices. However, if they exercise patience, they can approach the situation with wisdom, explore alternative solutions, and trust in Allah's provision. Patience allows them to navigate through the challenge without compromising their values and well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to cultivate patience in their lives. Patience is not only a virtue but a means of salvation and protection from the destructive forces of agitation. By remaining patient in the face of trials and tribulations, we demonstrate our trust in Allah, strive for righteousness, and maintain inner peace. May Allah grant us the strength to embody this virtue and protect us from the destructive consequences of agitation.