Hadith #5622

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

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

لايَعْدَمُ الصَّبُورُ الظَّفَرَ، وإنْ طالَ بِهِ الزَّمانُ۔

This can be translated as:

The patient one is never deprived of victory, even if it takes a long time [to come].

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The key words in this Hadith are (patient) "صَبُورُ" and (victory) "ظَفَرَ". The word "صَبُورُ" refers to someone who possesses the quality of patience, endurance, and steadfastness in the face of difficulties, trials, and tribulations. It is a virtue highly praised in Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran:

(Surah Hud, 11:115)

And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.

(Surah Az-Zumar, 39:10)

Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.

The word "ظَفَرَ" means victory or triumph. It signifies achieving success and overcoming challenges. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises victory to those who remain patient and steadfast in their faith:

(Surah Ghafir, 40:51)

Indeed, We will surely support Our messengers and those who believe during the life of this world and on the Day when the witnesses will stand.

(Surah Al Imran, 3:200)

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

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the divine principle that patience is a key factor in attaining victory. It reminds us that even if victory seems delayed or distant, the patient one will eventually achieve it. This Hadith encourages Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith, to persevere in the face of challenges, and to trust in Allah's promise of victory.

The concept of patience leading to victory can be observed throughout history and in the lives of the Prophets and righteous individuals mentioned in the Quran. Prophet Noah (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) preached to his people for centuries, facing rejection and ridicule, but eventually, Allah granted him victory by saving him and his followers in the Ark. Prophet Moses (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) faced numerous trials and challenges in his mission to free the Children of Israel from Pharaoh's tyranny, but his patience and perseverance led to their eventual liberation.

In the Battle of Badr, the early Muslims, led by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), were greatly outnumbered and faced a formidable enemy. However, their patience, trust in Allah, and unwavering faith led to a miraculous victory. This serves as a practical example of how patience can turn the tide of seemingly impossible situations.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also reminds us that victory may not always manifest in the way we expect or desire. It may come in the form of personal growth, spiritual elevation, or the fulfillment of our supplications in ways we cannot foresee. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) knows what is best for us, and He rewards the patient ones in ways that are beyond our comprehension.

As Muslims, we should embody the quality of patience in all aspects of our lives. We should remain patient in times of adversity, in the face of injustice, and in our pursuit of righteousness. Patience allows us to maintain our composure, seek solutions with wisdom, and trust in Allah's divine plan. It is through patience that we can overcome challenges, achieve victory, and ultimately attain success in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to be patient, steadfast, and unwavering in our faith. May He bestow upon us the blessings of victory in this life and the eternal victory of Paradise in the Hereafter. Ameen.