Hadith #5617

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

قَلَّ مَنْ صَبَرَ إلاّ مَلَكَ۔

This can be translated into English as,

It is seldom that one is patient yet he does not acquire [his objective].

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance and power of patience in achieving one's goals and desires.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran. The word (sabr) "صَبَرَ" in Arabic refers to patience, endurance, and steadfastness in the face of difficulties and challenges. It is a quality that is highly praised in Islam and is repeatedly emphasized in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153),

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

The Hadith states that it is rare for someone to be patient and not achieve their objective. This does not mean that every act of patience will result in immediate success, but rather it highlights the profound impact that patience has on one's journey towards their goals. Patience is not merely about waiting for things to happen, but it is about actively persevering and maintaining steadfastness in the face of challenges.

The Quran provides numerous examples of individuals who displayed patience and were ultimately rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a prime example of this. Despite facing betrayal, imprisonment, and separation from his family, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained patient and steadfast in his faith. Eventually, he was not only reunited with his family but also became a prominent figure in Egypt. This story illustrates how patience can lead to the fulfillment of one's objectives.

Another example from the Quran is the story of Prophet Ayyub (Job) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He endured severe afflictions and hardships, yet he remained patient and steadfast in his faith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rewarded him by restoring his health, wealth, and family. This story emphasizes the importance of patience in times of adversity and the ultimate reward that awaits those who remain steadfast.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the power of patience. It encourages us to persevere in the face of challenges and difficulties, knowing that our patience will ultimately lead to the fulfillment of our objectives. Patience is not a passive quality but an active one that requires effort, determination, and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

When we face obstacles in our lives, whether it be in our personal relationships, careers, or spiritual journeys, we should remember the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By practicing patience and maintaining steadfastness, we can overcome these challenges and achieve our goals. Patience allows us to navigate through the trials and tribulations of life with grace and resilience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound impact of patience in achieving our objectives. It reminds us of the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of challenges and difficulties. By drawing inspiration from the Quranic examples of Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Prophet Ayyub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand the transformative power of patience in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to cultivate patience and may He bless us with success in this life and the Hereafter.