الصَّبْرُ كَفيلٌ بِالظَّفَرِ۔
Patience is the guarantor of success.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Patience And The Patient)
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, "الصَّبْرُ كَفيلٌ بِالظَّفَرِ۔" This can be translated as,
Patience is the guarantor of success.
In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of patience in achieving success.
To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (sabr) "صَبْرُ" refers to patience, endurance, and steadfastness in the face of difficulties and hardships. It is the ability to remain calm and composed, to control one's emotions, and to persevere in the pursuit of righteousness. (kafil) "كَفِيلٌ" means a guarantor or a surety, someone who ensures the fulfillment of a promise or the achievement of a goal. And (thafar) "الظَّفَرِ" signifies success, triumph, and victory.
The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the concept of patience as a means to attain success. 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 Allah's assistance. It reminds us that through patience, we can find strength and support from our Creator.
In Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures the believers,
O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.
Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of perseverance and endurance in the path of righteousness. By remaining steadfast and fearing Allah, we can attain true success in this life and the hereafter.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,
And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.
This verse highlights the detrimental effects of disputes and losing courage. It emphasizes the need for patience in maintaining unity and strength within the Muslim community.
Reflecting upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that patience is not merely a passive trait, but an active virtue that leads to success. Patience enables us to endure hardships, overcome challenges, and maintain our faith and integrity. It empowers us to persevere in the face of adversity, to make wise decisions, and to remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified the virtue of patience throughout his life. His patience during times of trial and tribulation, such as the Battle of Jamal and the events leading to his martyrdom, serves as a shining example for Muslims to follow. His unwavering patience not only ensured his personal success but also inspired countless others to remain steadfast in their faith.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that patience is not only a virtue but also a key to achieving success in all aspects of life. By remaining patient, we can overcome challenges, maintain our faith, and attain victory in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody the virtue of patience and to seek success through it.
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