Hadith #11419

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "العز مع اليأس" which translates to

With loss of hope [in others] comes honor.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of honor and dignity that can be attained through self-reliance and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us reflect upon the key words used. The word (izz) "عز" refers to honor, dignity, and strength. It signifies a state of being respected and esteemed. On the other hand, the word (ya's) "يأس" means loss of hope or despair. It refers to a state of disappointment and hopelessness in others.

This Hadith emphasizes that when one loses hope in others, when they no longer rely on fallible human beings, they can find true honor and dignity. This is because relying solely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and having trust in His plans and decree is the ultimate source of strength and honor.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, and the consequences of losing hope and courage. When Muslims lose hope in the guidance of Allah and His Messenger, their strength diminishes. However, by remaining patient and steadfast in their faith, they can regain their strength and honor.

Another verse that complements the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:139), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.

This verse encourages Muslims to remain steadfast and not to weaken or grieve. It assures them that if they maintain their belief in Allah and His guidance, they will attain superiority. This superiority is not based on worldly power or material possessions, but on the honor and dignity bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that true honor and dignity lie in our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our reliance on Him alone. When we place our trust in fallible human beings, we may be disappointed and let down. However, when we turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with complete trust and reliance, we find strength, honor, and dignity.

This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to rely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of their lives. It reminds us that our ultimate source of honor and dignity is not in the hands of others, but in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By placing our hope and trust in Him, we can overcome any challenges and attain true honor and dignity in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives. May He strengthen our faith and grant us the honor and dignity that comes from relying on Him alone. Ameen.