أتْعَبُ النّاسِ قَلْباً مَنْ عَلَتْ هِمَّتُهُ وكَثُرَتْ مُرُوئَتُهُ وَقَلَّتْ مَقْدُرَتُهُ۔
The person who has the weariest heart is one whose endeavour is great and whose magnanimity is abundant, yet his [financial ability and] resources are minimal.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: People)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.
In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the state of a person whose heart is weary. The Arabic word used in the Hadith is (ta'abu) "تَعَبُ", which means weariness or exhaustion. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that this weariness is caused by three factors: a great endeavor, abundant magnanimity, and minimal resources.
Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the relevant words and their implications. The first important word is (himmatu) "هِمَّةُ", which refers to one's endeavor or ambition. It signifies the level of determination and effort a person puts into achieving their goals. The second word is (muru'atu) "مُرُوئَةُ", which means magnanimity or generosity. It represents the quality of being noble-hearted and open-handed, willing to give and help others. Lastly, the word (maqdura) "مَقْدُرَةُ", which translates to resources or capabilities, refers to the material means and provisions a person possesses.
To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and does not place upon us burdens that exceed our capacity. Therefore, the weariness of the heart mentioned in the Hadith is not a result of Allah's injustice, but rather a consequence of the individual's own choices and circumstances.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:
And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.
This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's support and sustenance in all our endeavors. It reminds us that our strength and resources come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it is through His blessings that we can overcome weariness and achieve success.
Now, let us reflect on the impactful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. The person described here is someone who possesses a lofty ambition and a generous spirit. They strive to accomplish great things and are willing to go the extra mile to help others. However, despite their noble intentions and efforts, they find themselves limited by their minimal resources. This limitation can manifest in various forms, such as financial constraints, lack of support, or limited opportunities.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the weariness of such a person's heart. This weariness is not merely physical exhaustion but a deep emotional and spiritual fatigue that arises from the constant struggle to reconcile their aspirations with their limited means. It is a weariness that stems from the tension between their lofty goals and the practical realities they face.
This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between ambition and contentment. While it is commendable to have high aspirations and a generous spirit, it is equally important to recognize and accept the limitations imposed by our circumstances. It teaches us to be mindful of our capabilities and to seek Allah's guidance and support in all our endeavors.
Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of empathy and support within the Muslim community. We should strive to alleviate the weariness of those who are burdened by their ambitions and limited resources. By offering assistance, encouragement, and resources to those in need, we can help uplift their spirits and enable them to continue their noble pursuits.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound insights into the weariness of the heart that arises from the tension between great ambitions, abundant magnanimity, and minimal resources. It reminds us to seek Allah's support, to recognize our limitations, and to support one another in our endeavors. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to navigate the challenges of life and the strength to overcome weariness.
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