Hadith #1696

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,

بِكَثْرَةِ الجَزَعِ تَعْظُمُ الفَجيعَةُ۔

This can be translated as,

With excessive anxiety, the calamity is magnified.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (jaza'i) "جَزَعِ" in this Hadith refers to excessive anxiety, worry, or distress. It signifies a state of being overwhelmed by fear or apprehension. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of allowing ourselves to be consumed by excessive anxiety. He warns us that when we are overwhelmed by worry, the magnitude of the calamity or tragedy we face appears to be much greater than it actually is.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of maintaining a balanced mindset and not succumbing to excessive anxiety. It encourages us to trust in Allah's plan and have faith in His wisdom. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us in the Quran, (Quran 65:3)

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him

This verse reminds us that placing our trust in Allah and seeking His help is the key to overcoming anxiety and finding solace in difficult times.

Furthermore, the Quran provides us with numerous examples of individuals who faced great trials and calamities but remained steadfast in their faith. Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was thrown into a blazing fire, yet his trust in Allah's protection enabled him to emerge unscathed. Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) was thrown into a well and later imprisoned, but his unwavering trust in Allah's plan led to his eventual rise to power.

These examples teach us that even in the face of adversity, maintaining a calm and composed mindset is crucial. Excessive anxiety can cloud our judgment, hinder our decision-making abilities, and prevent us from finding effective solutions to our problems. It is essential to remember that Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate source of comfort and relief. He says in the Quran, (Quran 94:5)

Verily, with hardship, there is relief

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that by allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed by anxiety, we inadvertently magnify the calamity we face. Our perception becomes distorted, and we may lose sight of the blessings and opportunities that lie within every trial. Instead of succumbing to excessive worry, we should strive to maintain a positive mindset and seek solace in the remembrance of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid excessive anxiety and worry. By trusting in Allah's plan and seeking His guidance, we can overcome any calamity or trial that comes our way. Let us strive to cultivate a balanced mindset, rooted in faith, and find comfort in the knowledge that Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is always with us, guiding and protecting us. May Allah grant us the strength to face challenges with patience and wisdom.