Hadith #9473

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,

ساعَةُ ذُلّ لاتَفي بِعِزِّ الدَّهْرِ۔

This can be translated as,

An hour of humiliation is not compensated for by a lifetime of honor.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the fleeting nature of honor and the lasting impact of humiliation.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words used. The word (sa'ah) "ساعَةُ" refers to an hour or a short period of time. (dhull) "ذُلّ" means humiliation or disgrace, while (izz) "عِزّ" signifies honor or dignity. Lastly, (ad-dahr) "الدَّهْرِ" refers to a lifetime or the span of one's existence.

This Hadith can be further illuminated through the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:11),

And among the people is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face [to the other direction]. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.

This verse emphasizes the importance of consistency in faith and devotion. It warns against those who only worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) when things are going well, but abandon their faith in times of difficulty. Such individuals may experience temporary honor and success, but they ultimately lose both in this world and the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:140), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

If a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs - and Allah does not like the wrongdoers.

This verse reminds us that trials and tribulations are a part of life, and they affect everyone, regardless of their status or position. It is during these challenging times that true believers are distinguished from those who lack faith. The honor and dignity of a person are not solely determined by their worldly achievements, but rather by their steadfastness and resilience in the face of adversity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims. It urges us to prioritize our character and integrity over temporary gains and fleeting moments of honor. It teaches us that enduring humiliation with patience and maintaining our principles is far more valuable than compromising our values for short-lived success.

This Hadith also highlights the profound wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of human nature and the transient nature of worldly affairs is evident in this concise statement. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his unparalleled wisdom and his ability to provide guidance in all aspects of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to prioritize their character and integrity over temporary gains and fleeting moments of honor. It teaches us the importance of enduring humiliation with patience and maintaining our principles, as true honor lies in steadfastness and resilience in the face of adversity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to uphold these teachings and guide us on the path of righteousness.