Hadith #7993

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "العَيْشُ يَحْلُو ويَمُرُّ۔" This Hadith can be translated as,

Life has sweetness and bitterness.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (life) "عَيْشُ" refers to the entirety of human existence, encompassing both the physical and spiritual aspects. It includes the joys and sorrows, the highs and lows, the successes and failures that one experiences throughout their journey on this earth.

The word (sweetness) "يَحْلُو" signifies the moments of happiness, contentment, and fulfillment that we encounter in life. These are the times when we feel a sense of joy, peace, and gratitude. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran of the sweetness of life in Surah An-Nahl, verse 97:

Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

On the other hand, the word (bitterness) "يَمُرُّ" represents the challenges, hardships, and trials that we inevitably face in life. These are the moments of pain, loss, and adversity that test our patience, resilience, and faith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155:

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.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the reality of life, that it is a mixture of both sweetness and bitterness. It serves as a reminder that we will encounter moments of joy and moments of sorrow, moments of ease and moments of hardship. This understanding helps us navigate through the various challenges and trials that we face, knowing that they are an inherent part of the human experience.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the purpose and lessons behind the sweetness and bitterness of life. The moments of sweetness remind us of Allah's blessings and His mercy upon us. They serve as a source of gratitude and appreciation for the good that we have been granted. The Quran reminds us in Surah An-Nahl, verse 18:

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Similarly, the moments of bitterness serve as a means of growth, purification, and spiritual development. They remind us of our dependence on Allah and the need for patience, perseverance, and trust in His plan. The Quran assures us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286:

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying invites us to reflect on the duality of life and to approach both the sweetness and bitterness with wisdom, gratitude, and patience. It teaches us that the challenges we face are not meant to break us, but rather to strengthen our faith and character. It reminds us that the sweetness of life is to be cherished and the bitterness is to be endured with resilience and trust in Allah's plan.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the realities of life. It encourages us to embrace the sweetness and bitterness, to find gratitude in moments of joy, and to find strength in moments of hardship. By understanding and internalizing this wisdom, we can navigate the complexities of life with faith, patience, and resilience. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embrace the sweetness and bitterness of life and to seek His pleasure in all circumstances.