Hadith #5537

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, "اِصْبِرْ تَظْفَرْ۔" which translates to

Be patient [and] you will triumph.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, drawing upon the teachings of the Quran.

The word (isbir) "اِصْبِرْ" is derived from the root word (sabara) "صَبَرَ", which means to be patient, steadfast, and persevering in the face of difficulties and trials. Patience is a virtue highly emphasized in Islam, as it is a means to attain success and triumph in this world and the hereafter.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of patience in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:155-156)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return'

This verse highlights the reward and consolation that awaits those who remain patient during times of hardship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah states, (103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience

Here, Allah emphasizes that true success lies in faith, good deeds, and mutual encouragement towards truth and patience.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to embrace patience, as it is the key to triumph. Patience enables us to navigate through the challenges and tests of life, allowing us to maintain our faith and righteousness. It is through patience that we can overcome difficulties, achieve our goals, and ultimately attain success in this world and the hereafter.

When we face trials and tribulations, patience empowers us to remain steadfast in our worship, to persevere in our good deeds, and to trust in Allah's divine plan. It is through patience that we develop resilience, inner strength, and a deep connection with our Creator. By embodying patience, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

The consequences of practicing patience are manifold. Firstly, it strengthens our relationship with Allah, as we demonstrate our trust and reliance on Him during challenging times. Secondly, it cultivates a sense of gratitude within us, as we recognize the blessings bestowed upon us even amidst difficulties. Thirdly, it allows us to maintain our composure and avoid impulsive actions that may lead to regret. Finally, it serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement for others, as they witness our steadfastness and resilience.

Let us reflect upon the profound wisdom of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. In our daily lives, we encounter various trials and tribulations, whether they be personal, social, or spiritual. By embracing patience, we can navigate through these challenges with grace and dignity. Patience is not a passive state, but an active virtue that requires effort and determination. It is a means to attain triumph in this world and the hereafter, and it is a characteristic that distinguishes the believers from the rest of humanity.

As Muslims, let us strive to embody the teachings of patience and seek solace in the words of Allah and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. May Allah grant us the strength to be patient in all aspects of our lives and may He grant us success and triumph in this world and the hereafter.