Hadith #11443

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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, "الْيَقْظَةُ كَرَبٌ۔" This can be translated as,

Alertness is [a cause of] grief.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (al-yaqzah) "الْيَقْظَةُ" refers to being alert, vigilant, and watchful. It implies being fully aware of one's surroundings, circumstances, and potential dangers. It is a state of heightened consciousness and attentiveness. On the other hand, the word (karb) "كَرَبٌ۔" means grief, sorrow, or distress. It signifies a state of emotional pain or anguish.

To shed light on the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Noble Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:197)

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being alert and prepared for the journey of life. Just as a traveler takes provisions for their physical sustenance, a believer must also equip themselves with the best provision of Taqwa, which is the consciousness of Allah and obedience to His commands.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 8:45)

O you who have believed, when you meet a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allah often that you may be successful.

This verse highlights the need for alertness and vigilance in times of adversity and challenges. By remaining steadfast and remembering Allah, believers can overcome difficulties and achieve success.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement,

Alertness is [a cause of] grief.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words were often filled with deep insights. In this Hadith, he reminds us that being alert and vigilant in our actions and decisions can sometimes lead to grief or distress.

When we are truly aware of the consequences of our choices and the potential dangers that lie ahead, we may experience grief. This grief arises from the realization that our actions may have unintended negative consequences or that we may face hardships as a result of our alertness. For example, a person who is vigilant about their financial responsibilities may experience grief when they have to make difficult decisions to ensure their financial stability.

However, it is important to note that this grief is not a negative outcome in itself. Rather, it is a natural consequence of being alert and conscious of the potential challenges and pitfalls in life. It serves as a reminder of our vulnerability and the need for constant self-reflection and improvement.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's statement,

Alertness is [a cause of] grief,

highlights the importance of being vigilant and watchful in our actions and decisions. It reminds us that true awareness and consciousness can sometimes lead to grief or distress. However, this grief is not a negative outcome in itself, but rather a natural consequence of our alertness. It serves as a catalyst for self-reflection and growth, enabling us to navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and resilience. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be alert and conscious in all aspects of our lives, and may He alleviate our grief and grant us peace and contentment.