Hadith #1698

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

لَيْسَ مَعَ الجَزَعِ مَثُوبَةٌ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no recompense with anxiety.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (jaza'i) "جَزَعِ" in this Hadith refers to anxiety, fear, or distress. It signifies a state of unease and worry that can consume a person's heart and mind. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the fact that anxiety does not bring any reward or benefit. It is a state that hinders one's ability to think clearly, make sound decisions, and find peace within themselves.

To support this understanding, we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the importance of trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the futility of anxiety. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:23), Allah says,

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

This verse reassures us that placing our trust in Allah is the key to finding solace and contentment. When we have faith in His wisdom and plan, we can let go of our anxieties and surrender ourselves to His will.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:89), we find the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people. When they faced the mighty Pharaoh and his army, their hearts were filled with fear and anxiety. However, Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminded them to trust in Allah's guidance and promised them victory. This incident teaches us that even in the face of adversity, it is our unwavering trust in Allah that brings us success and relief from anxiety.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement carries profound wisdom and practical implications for our daily lives. Anxiety often stems from our attachment to worldly matters and our fear of the unknown. It distracts us from focusing on the present moment and prevents us from fully experiencing the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us.

When we allow anxiety to control us, it affects our mental and physical well-being, our relationships, and our ability to make rational decisions. It clouds our judgment and prevents us from seeing the bigger picture. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that instead of succumbing to anxiety, we should turn to Allah and seek His guidance and support.

By relying on Allah and placing our trust in Him, we can find peace and tranquility even in the most challenging circumstances. We must remember that Allah is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, and He has a plan for each one of us. Our anxieties and worries cannot change the course of events predetermined by Allah. Therefore, it is futile to allow anxiety to consume us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us to redirect our focus from anxiety to trust in Allah. We should strive to strengthen our relationship with Him through prayer, remembrance, and seeking knowledge. By doing so, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment that transcends the challenges of this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that anxiety holds no reward or benefit. Instead of allowing ourselves to be consumed by worry and distress, we should place our trust in Allah and rely on His guidance. By doing so, we can find solace, peace, and contentment in the face of life's challenges. May Allah grant us the strength to overcome our anxieties and fill our hearts with His tranquility.