مَنْ غالَبَ الضِّدَّ رَكِبَ الجِدَّ۔
One who tries to overcome his adversary has embarked on a struggle.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Enmity And The Enemy)
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,
مَنْ غالَبَ الضِّدَّ رَكِبَ الجِدَّ۔
This can be translated as,
One who tries to overcome his adversary has embarked on a struggle.
Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran.
First, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (ghalaba) "غالَبَ" means to overcome or prevail over, while (ad-didda) "الضِّدَّ" refers to an adversary or opponent. The word (rakiba) "رَكِبَ" can be translated as to embark or undertake, and (al-jidda) "الجِدَّ" signifies a struggle or a serious effort.
To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:60),
And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows.
This verse emphasizes the importance of being prepared and making efforts to overcome one's adversaries in the path of Allah.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:39), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,
Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory.
This verse highlights that those who are being oppressed or wronged have the right to defend themselves and strive to overcome their oppressors.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when we face challenges or adversaries, we should not shy away from the struggle. Instead, we should actively engage and make efforts to overcome them. This struggle can take various forms, such as striving for justice, standing up against oppression, or seeking knowledge to combat ignorance.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a motivation for Muslims to actively participate in the struggles of life. It encourages us to be proactive and determined in our pursuit of righteousness. By embarking on this struggle, we not only strengthen our own character but also contribute to the betterment of society.
For example, when we witness injustice, it is our duty as Muslims to speak out against it and take action to rectify the situation. This could involve advocating for the rights of the oppressed, supporting charitable causes, or engaging in peaceful protests. By doing so, we are actively trying to overcome the adversities that exist in our world.
Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. By acquiring knowledge, we equip ourselves with the necessary tools to overcome the challenges we face. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding, as it is through knowledge that we can distinguish between right and wrong.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when we encounter adversaries or challenges, we should not shy away from the struggle. Instead, we should actively engage and make efforts to overcome them. This struggle can take various forms, such as striving for justice, standing up against oppression, or seeking knowledge to combat ignorance. By embarking on this struggle, we not only strengthen our own character but also contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and determination to overcome our adversaries and strive for righteousness.
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