Hadith #8408

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,

اَلاِرْتِقاءُ إلَى الفَضائِلِ صَعْبٌ مُنْج۔

This Hadith emphasizes the difficulty and hardship that one encounters when striving to attain virtues. The word (irtiqā') "ارتقاء" means "ascending" or "rising," while (al-faḍā'il) "الفضائل" refers to virtues or moral excellence. The word (ṣa'b) "صعب" means "hard" or "difficult," and (munj) "منج" means "that saves" or "that rescues."

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:5),

Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.

This verse highlights the fact that Allah has provided guidance to humanity, but it is up to individuals to choose whether to be grateful and follow the path of righteousness or be ungrateful and deviate from it.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Balad (90:10-11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And shown him the two ways? But he has not broken through the difficult pass.

These verses illustrate the existence of two paths, one leading to virtue and righteousness, and the other leading to sin and wrongdoing. The difficult pass mentioned here refers to the challenges and hardships one must face in order to choose the path of virtue.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the struggle and effort required to attain virtues. It reminds us that the path of righteousness is not easy, but it is ultimately the path that saves us from the consequences of our actions. Just as climbing a mountain requires physical exertion and endurance, ascending towards virtues demands perseverance and determination.

When we strive to attain virtues, we face various challenges and temptations that test our commitment to righteousness. These challenges can come in the form of societal pressures, personal desires, or even our own weaknesses. However, it is through overcoming these difficulties that we strengthen our character and grow closer to Allah.

The hardship mentioned in the Hadith is not a deterrent but rather a means of purification and growth. It is through facing and overcoming these challenges that we develop resilience, patience, and self-discipline. The difficulties we encounter on the path to virtue serve as opportunities for self-reflection and self-improvement.

Moreover, the Hadith reminds us that the path of virtue is not a one-time achievement but a continuous journey. It requires constant effort and vigilance to maintain and enhance our moral character. Just as climbing a mountain is a step-by-step process, ascending towards virtues is a gradual and lifelong endeavor.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that attaining virtues is not an easy task, but it is a hardship that saves us from the negative consequences of our actions. It reminds us of the challenges we must face and overcome in order to choose the path of righteousness. By persevering through these difficulties, we strengthen our character, grow closer to Allah, and ultimately find salvation. May Allah guide us all on the path of virtue and grant us the strength to overcome the hardships along the way.