Hadith #9769

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Keep walking in your customary way (or with your ailment) as long as you can.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of perseverance and determination in facing the challenges and difficulties of life. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (imsh) "اِمْشِ" and (bidā'ika) "بِدَأْبِكَ". (imsh) "اِمْشِ" is derived from the root word (masha) "مَشَى", which means to walk or move. It signifies the act of progressing and moving forward in life. (bidā'ika) "بِدَأْبِكَ" is derived from the root word (dāb) "دَأْب", which means customary way or habit. It refers to one's regular routine or manner of doing things.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of steadfastness and consistency in our actions. It encourages us to maintain a firm and unwavering commitment to our beliefs and values, regardless of the challenges we may face.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:54), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth [in place of them] a people He will love and who will love Him [who are] humble toward the believers, powerful against the disbelievers; they strive in the cause of Allah and do not fear the blame of a critic.

This verse emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith and not wavering in the face of adversity. It reminds us that those who persevere in their commitment to Allah and His religion will be rewarded with His love and support.

In light of these Quranic verses, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to continue moving forward in our lives, despite the challenges and difficulties we may encounter. It encourages us to maintain our customary way of doing things, to persevere in our efforts, and to not be deterred by obstacles. This Hadith teaches us the importance of resilience, determination, and consistency in our actions.

For example, imagine a student who is facing academic challenges and feels overwhelmed by the workload. This Hadith reminds the student to keep studying and working hard, even when things seem difficult. By maintaining their customary routine of studying and persevering in their efforts, the student will eventually overcome their challenges and achieve success.

Similarly, in our spiritual journey, we may face moments of doubt, temptation, or hardship. This Hadith encourages us to continue practicing our faith, performing our prayers, and engaging in acts of worship, even when we feel spiritually weak or burdened by the challenges of life. By maintaining our customary way of worship and remaining steadfast in our devotion to Allah, we will find solace, strength, and guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of perseverance and determination in facing the challenges of life. It urges us to continue moving forward in our customary way, to maintain our routine, and to not be discouraged by obstacles. By drawing inspiration from the Quranic verses that emphasize steadfastness and consistency, we can find the motivation and strength to overcome difficulties and achieve success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the teachings of this Hadith and to remain steadfast in our journey towards Him.