Hadith #1651

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "الثَّوابُ بِالمَشَقَّةِ" which translates to

Reward is gained in proportion to the difficulty endured.

This enlightening saying highlights the concept of divine justice and the correlation between effort and reward in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. "الثَّوابُ" refers to the reward or recompense that one receives from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for their actions. "بِالمَشَقَّةِ" means

in proportion to the difficulty endured

or

in accordance with the hardship faced.

This Hadith is in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the concept of reward and retribution based on one's efforts and struggles. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:22),

Indeed, this is for you a reward, and your effort has been appreciated.

This verse clearly indicates that the reward given by Allah is directly linked to the effort exerted by an individual.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse highlights the divine wisdom behind the trials and tribulations that we face in life. It assures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and will only test us with what we can handle. Therefore, when we endure difficulties and overcome them with patience and perseverance, we can expect a proportional reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The exegesis of this Hadith reminds us of the importance of facing challenges with determination and steadfastness. It encourages us to embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth and spiritual elevation. When we encounter hardships in our personal, professional, or religious lives, we should not despair or lose hope. Instead, we should remember that our struggles are a means to earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attain a greater reward in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that the path to success is not always easy. It requires effort, sacrifice, and perseverance. By enduring hardships and remaining steadfast in our faith, we demonstrate our sincerity and commitment to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This, in turn, leads to the accumulation of greater rewards in this life and the Hereafter.

Let us reflect on this Hadith and strive to face the challenges of life with patience and resilience. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to endure difficulties and reward us abundantly for our efforts. May we always remember that the greater the struggle, the greater the reward.