Hadith #10336

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لالَذَّةَ بِتَنْغِيص۔" which translates to

There is no pleasure with trouble.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek true pleasure and contentment in life.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words used. The word (lalazah) "لالَذَّةَ" refers to pleasure, delight, or enjoyment. It signifies a state of happiness and satisfaction. The word (bitanghis) "بِتَنْغِيص۔" refers to trouble, hardship, or difficulty. It represents any form of adversity or distress that one may encounter in life.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we find several Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of seeking pleasure and avoiding unnecessary trouble. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

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

This verse reminds us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, does not place excessive hardships upon His servants. He knows our capabilities and only tests us with what we can endure. Therefore, true pleasure lies in recognizing and accepting the divine wisdom behind the challenges we face.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nahl (16:97), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life.

This verse highlights that a righteous life, filled with good deeds and obedience to Allah, leads to a life of contentment and pleasure. It implies that the true source of pleasure lies in living a life in accordance with the teachings of Islam, rather than seeking temporary and superficial joys.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that true pleasure cannot coexist with trouble. This statement serves as a guidance for Muslims to seek a balanced and harmonious life, where they prioritize their well-being and avoid unnecessary difficulties.

In our journey towards seeking pleasure, we often encounter various forms of trouble. These troubles can manifest in different ways, such as physical ailments, financial hardships, emotional distress, or even spiritual challenges. While it is natural to experience difficulties in life, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true pleasure cannot be attained if we constantly dwell in trouble and allow it to consume us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages Muslims to adopt a positive mindset and seek ways to alleviate their troubles. It does not imply that we should avoid all challenges or responsibilities, but rather, it reminds us to approach them with wisdom and patience. By doing so, we can navigate through life's difficulties while still finding moments of pleasure and contentment.

For instance, if we are facing financial troubles, we should strive to find sustainable solutions and seek Allah's guidance through prayer and reliance on Him. If we are experiencing emotional distress, we should seek support from loved ones, engage in self-care activities, and turn to the Quran and Sunnah for solace and guidance. By actively addressing our troubles and seeking Allah's help, we can find moments of pleasure and tranquility even amidst the challenges.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true pleasure cannot be attained if we constantly dwell in trouble. It encourages Muslims to seek a balanced and harmonious life, where they prioritize their well-being and actively address their troubles. By adopting a positive mindset, seeking Allah's guidance, and striving to overcome difficulties, we can find moments of pleasure and contentment in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to navigate through life's challenges and attain true pleasure.