Hadith #3945

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,

رُبَّ دَواء جَلَبَ داءً۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as,

Many a remedy brings about an ailment.

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

The word (dawaa') "دَوَاء" in this Hadith refers to a remedy or a cure. It signifies a solution or treatment for a problem or illness. The word (jalaba) "جَلَبَ" means to bring or to cause. And the word (da'an) "دَاءً" refers to an ailment or a disease. It represents a negative consequence or an undesirable outcome.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286,

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

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and does not place upon us a burden that is beyond our capacity to handle. It implies that every difficulty or challenge we face in life has a purpose and can be overcome.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Sharh, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 94:5)

Indeed, with hardship, there is relief.

This verse assures us that alongside every difficulty, there is a relief waiting for us. It signifies that even in the face of adversity, there is always a way out, a solution, or a remedy.

When we reflect upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that it highlights the concept of balance and moderation. It reminds us that sometimes, in our pursuit of a solution or a remedy, we may inadvertently bring about new problems or challenges. This can occur when we are not mindful of the potential consequences or when we do not approach the situation with wisdom and caution.

For instance, let's consider a person who is suffering from a physical ailment and seeks medical treatment. They may be prescribed medication to alleviate their symptoms. However, if they misuse or overuse the medication, it can lead to adverse effects or even dependency. In this scenario, the remedy, which was meant to bring relief, ends up causing a new ailment.

Similarly, in our daily lives, we may encounter situations where we attempt to solve a problem but unintentionally create new complications. This can happen when we act impulsively, without considering the long-term consequences or without seeking guidance from the teachings of Islam. It is essential to remember that our actions should be guided by wisdom, knowledge, and the principles of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, making him an exemplary role model for Muslims. He emphasized the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the consequences of our actions. His words in this Hadith serve as a reminder to approach problem-solving with caution and to consider the potential outcomes before implementing any remedy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Many a remedy brings about an ailment,

teaches us the importance of balance and moderation in our pursuit of solutions. It reminds us to be mindful of the potential consequences of our actions and to seek guidance from the teachings of the Quran. By doing so, we can navigate through life's challenges with wisdom and avoid inadvertently causing more harm than good. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and wisdom to apply this lesson in our lives.