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إنْ كُنْتَ جازِعاً على كُلِّ ما يَفْلِتُ مِنْ يَدَيْكَ فَاجْزَعْ على مالَمْ يَصِلْ إلَيكَ۔

If you are [one who gets] anxious about all that has escaped from your hands, then be anxious about what has not reached you.

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If you are [one who gets] anxious about all that has escaped from your...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Anxiety)

Personal Reflection

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 (), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. Let us delve into its exegesis and explore its deeper meaning in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (jazia'an) "جازِعاً" and (fajza') "فَاجْزَعْ". The word "جازِعاً" refers to a state of anxiety, worry, or distress. It implies being deeply concerned about something that has slipped out of one's control or possession. On the other hand, "فَاجْزَعْ" means to be anxious or concerned about something that has not yet come into one's possession.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 12:87)

And never give up hope of Allah's mercy. Certainly, no one despairs of Allah's mercy except the disbelieving people

This verse teaches us that as Muslims, we should always have hope in Allah's mercy and not despair, even when things seem to be slipping out of our hands.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect

These verses remind us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate provider and sustainer. He has the power to bring forth blessings and provisions from unexpected sources, even when we feel anxious about what we have lost or what has not yet reached us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to shift our focus from what we have lost or what we do not yet possess, to placing our trust in Allah's divine wisdom and providence. It reminds us that excessive worry and anxiety over worldly matters can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life - seeking closeness to Allah and striving for righteousness.

By being anxious about what has not reached us, we are reminded to redirect our concerns towards matters of the Hereafter. We should be anxious about our spiritual growth, our relationship with Allah, and our adherence to His commandments. This Hadith encourages us to prioritize our eternal well-being over temporary worldly gains.

For example, if we are anxious about not having enough wealth or possessions, we should redirect our focus towards acts of charity and helping those in need. We should be concerned about the state of our hearts and strive to purify them from negative traits such as greed, envy, and attachment to material possessions. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad () and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to shift their focus from worldly concerns to matters of the Hereafter. By being anxious about what has not reached us, we are encouraged to prioritize our spiritual growth, seek closeness to Allah, and strive for righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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