Hadith #1660

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

عَلَيْكَ بِالجِدِّ وإنْ لَمْ يُساعِدِ الجَدُّ۔

This can be translated as:

You must be diligent even if you are not assisted by [good] fortune.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (jidd) "جِدِّ" refers to diligence, hard work, and perseverance. It encompasses the idea of exerting effort and striving towards a goal, regardless of the circumstances or external support. The word (yusa'id) "يُساعِدِ" means to be assisted or supported. It implies the presence of external help or favorable conditions.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of striving and exerting effort in various aspects of life. In Surah Al-Insan (76:29), Allah says,

Indeed, this is a reminder, so whoever wills may take to his Lord a way.

This verse highlights the individual responsibility to seek the path to Allah and the need for personal effort in doing so.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah says,

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of righteous actions and mutual advice in the pursuit of truth and patience. It highlights the need for personal commitment and diligence in fulfilling our responsibilities as Muslims.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by reminding us that diligence is essential, even in the absence of external support or favorable circumstances. It encourages us to persevere and work hard, regardless of the challenges we may face.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this quality throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and dedication to the cause of Islam were unparalleled. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations, he remained steadfast and committed to his responsibilities as the caliph and the guardian of the Islamic teachings.

This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to adopt a proactive and diligent approach in all aspects of life. It reminds us that success is not solely dependent on external factors, but rather on our own efforts and determination. It encourages us to persevere in seeking knowledge, fulfilling our religious obligations, and striving for excellence in our personal and professional endeavors.

The consequences of embodying the message of this Hadith are profound. By being diligent and persevering, we develop a strong work ethic, discipline, and resilience. We become individuals who are not easily discouraged by setbacks or obstacles. Our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement becomes ingrained in our character, leading to personal growth and success in this world and the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that it is a call to action for Muslims to be proactive and diligent in all aspects of their lives. It reminds us that success is not guaranteed solely by external factors, but rather by our own efforts and determination. By embodying the spirit of this Hadith, we can strive towards excellence, fulfill our responsibilities, and ultimately seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to be diligent and steadfast in our pursuit of His pleasure.