Hadith #3497

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لِكُلِّ داخِل دَهْشَةٌ وذُهُولٌ۔

This can be translated as,

For everyone who enters [into an unfamiliar place] there is consternation and perplexity.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (daakhil) "داخِل" refers to someone who enters or steps into a place. It signifies the act of entering a new environment or situation. The word (dahshah) "دَهْشَةٌ" means astonishment, surprise, or bewilderment. It represents the feeling of being taken aback or overwhelmed by something unexpected. The word (duhool) "ذُهُولٌ" refers to confusion, perplexity, or disorientation. It signifies a state of being mentally disoriented or puzzled.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:155)

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

This verse highlights that entering into unfamiliar situations or facing trials and tribulations can evoke feelings of fear, hunger, and loss. It is a test from Allah to assess our patience and steadfastness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 29:2)

Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried?

This verse reminds us that trials and challenges are an integral part of our faith. They serve as a means of purification and strengthening our belief in Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights a universal truth. Whenever we step into an unfamiliar place, whether it be a physical location, a new phase of life, or a challenging situation, we are bound to experience feelings of astonishment and perplexity. This is a natural human response to the unknown.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that these feelings of consternation and confusion are not unique to any individual. They are part of the human experience. We may find ourselves in situations where we feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or even lost. However, it is crucial to remember that these moments of discomfort and confusion are opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Just as Allah tests us with trials and tribulations, He also provides us with the strength and resilience to overcome them. The feeling of being taken aback or mentally disoriented should not discourage us. Instead, it should motivate us to seek guidance from Allah and rely on His wisdom and mercy.

In these moments of consternation and perplexity, we should turn to the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for guidance. The Quran is a source of enlightenment and direction, offering us solace and clarity amidst the challenges of life. By reflecting on the verses of the Quran and seeking knowledge, we can find answers to our questions and navigate through unfamiliar territories with confidence and wisdom.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to embrace the discomfort and uncertainty that comes with entering into new situations. By doing so, we can develop resilience, expand our knowledge, and deepen our faith. Just as a seedling pushes through the darkness of the soil to reach the light, we too can emerge stronger and wiser from the trials and tribulations that we encounter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that feelings of astonishment and perplexity are natural when we enter into unfamiliar places or face challenging situations. These moments serve as tests from Allah to strengthen our faith and character. By seeking guidance from the Quran and relying on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can navigate through these experiences with wisdom and resilience. Let us embrace these opportunities for growth and trust in Allah's infinite wisdom and mercy. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to overcome the challenges we face.