Hadith #5619

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

قَلَّ مَنْ صَبَرَ إلاّ ظَفِرَ۔

This can be translated as,

It is seldom that one is patient yet he does not gain victory.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of patience and its connection to achieving success and triumph.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (sabr) "صَبَرَ" refers to patience, endurance, and steadfastness in the face of difficulties and trials. It is the ability to remain calm and composed, to control one's emotions, and to persevere in the path of righteousness. The word (zafira) "ظَفِرَ" means to gain victory, to achieve success, and to overcome obstacles.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of patience in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:155-156)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return'

This verse highlights that patience is essential during times of hardship and that those who remain patient are promised glad tidings from Allah.

Another verse that emphasizes the connection between patience and victory is found in Surah Al-Anfal. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 8:45)

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

This verse encourages believers to be patient, steadfast, and to have fear of Allah in order to attain success.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The statement

It is seldom that one is patient yet he does not gain victory

highlights the close relationship between patience and triumph. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that patience is not only a virtue but also a means to achieve success in various aspects of life.

When faced with challenges, setbacks, or difficulties, it is natural for a person to feel discouraged or overwhelmed. However, the key lies in maintaining patience and trust in Allah's plan. By remaining patient, one can endure the trials and tribulations with resilience and determination. This patience can lead to the eventual victory and success that Allah promises to those who persevere.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a motivation for Muslims to cultivate patience in their lives. It reminds us that victory is not always immediate or apparent, but it is the result of steadfastness and perseverance. Just as a seed takes time to grow into a tree, patience allows us to navigate through challenges and emerge stronger and victorious.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect on their own lives and assess their level of patience. Are we truly patient in the face of adversity? Do we remain steadfast in our faith and trust in Allah's plan? By introspecting and striving to improve our patience, we can align ourselves with the path of success and victory.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of patience in attaining victory and success. It reminds us that patience is not only a virtue but also a means to overcome challenges and emerge triumphant. By remaining patient, we can navigate through difficulties with resilience and trust in Allah's plan. May Allah grant us the strength to cultivate patience in our lives and may He bless us with victory in this world and the Hereafter.