Hadith #3531

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, "بِالدُّعاءِ يُسْتَدْفَعُ البَلاءُ۔" This can be translated as,

Through supplication, tribulations are repelled.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the power and effectiveness of supplication in seeking protection from afflictions and hardships.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "الدُّعاءِ" refers to supplication or prayer, which is an act of humbly beseeching Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for His mercy, guidance, and assistance. It is an expression of our dependence on Allah and our recognition of His infinite power and wisdom. "يُسْتَدْفَعُ" means to repel or ward off, indicating that through supplication, we can protect ourselves from the trials and tribulations that may befall us. "البَلاءُ" refers to afflictions, calamities, or hardships that test our faith and resilience.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to turn to Him in supplication during times of distress and to seek His help and protection. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.

Furthermore, in Surah Ghafir, Allah reminds us of the importance of supplication by saying, (Quran 40:60)

And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you.' Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.

These verses highlight the divine promise of Allah's response to our supplications and the significance of seeking His help and protection through prayer.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the proactive role of supplication in repelling tribulations. When we face difficulties, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and helpless. However, through supplication, we establish a direct connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the All-Powerful and All-Knowing. By humbly seeking His intervention, we acknowledge our reliance on Him and express our trust in His mercy and guidance.

Supplication not only serves as a means of seeking protection from afflictions but also strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with Allah. It is a manifestation of our submission and humility before the Creator, reminding us of our ultimate dependence on Him. Through supplication, we recognize that Allah is the ultimate source of all blessings and that He alone has the power to alleviate our hardships.

Moreover, the act of supplication itself can have transformative effects on our hearts and minds. It instills in us a sense of hope, patience, and gratitude. It reminds us of the countless blessings we have been bestowed with, even in the midst of trials. It helps us develop resilience and trust in Allah's plan, knowing that He is the best of planners.

The consequences of neglecting supplication are twofold. Firstly, we deprive ourselves of the immense spiritual benefits and solace that come from turning to Allah in times of need. Secondly, we miss out on the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Him and deepen our faith. By neglecting supplication, we may inadvertently distance ourselves from the source of ultimate guidance and protection.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the power of supplication in repelling tribulations. Through sincere and heartfelt prayers, we can seek Allah's protection and guidance during times of difficulty. Supplication is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound means of connecting with our Creator, strengthening our faith, and finding solace in His infinite mercy. Let us remember the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and make supplication an integral part of our lives, seeking Allah's help and protection in all circumstances. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and sincerity to turn to Him in supplication and may He protect us from all afflictions.