Hadith #1697

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, "ضادُّوا الجَزَعَ بِالصَّبْرِ۔" This can be translated into English as

Counter anxiety with patience.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (daddu) "ضادُّوا" means to counter or oppose, while (al-jaza'a) "الجَزَعَ" refers to anxiety or distress. And finally, (bil-sabr) "بِالصَّبْرِ" translates to with patience.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of patience in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153),

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the connection between patience and seeking assistance from Allah. It reminds us that patience is not only a virtue but also a means to seek Allah's support in times of distress.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse encourages believers to persevere and endure in the face of challenges. It emphasizes the need to remain steadfast and patient, as it is through patience that success is attained.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. Anxiety is a natural human emotion that can arise from various sources such as personal struggles, uncertainties, or worldly difficulties. It can consume our thoughts, cloud our judgment, and hinder our ability to find solutions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep wisdom and knowledge, advises us to counter anxiety with patience. Patience, in this context, refers to the ability to remain calm, composed, and steadfast in the face of adversity. It is the strength to endure hardships with resilience and trust in Allah's plan.

By practicing patience, we can overcome anxiety and its negative effects. Patience allows us to maintain a clear mind, make rational decisions, and seek guidance from Allah. It enables us to navigate through challenging situations with grace and wisdom.

Moreover, patience is not merely a passive response to difficulties; it is an active virtue that empowers us to take positive action. It motivates us to seek solutions, make efforts, and trust in Allah's divine wisdom. Patience helps us develop resilience, perseverance, and inner strength, enabling us to overcome obstacles and grow spiritually.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's profound statement,

Counter anxiety with patience,

reminds us of the importance of remaining patient in times of distress. It urges us to seek solace in Allah, trust in His plan, and actively work towards finding solutions. By practicing patience, we can navigate through life's challenges with grace, strength, and unwavering faith. May Allah grant us the ability to counter anxiety with patience and bless us with steadfastness in all aspects of our lives.