Hadith #8480

In the name of Allah, the Most High, 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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) during times of poverty and hardship. The key phrase in this hadith is

لاحَوْلَ ولاقُوَّةَ إلاّ بِاللّهِ العَلِيِّ العَظِيمِ

which translates to

There is no might and no power but by [the will of] Allah, the Most High, the Most Mighty.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this phrase and its significance in the light of the Quran. The word (la hawla) "لاحَوْلَ" means "no might" or "no power," indicating our recognition of our own limitations and acknowledging that we are completely dependent on Allah's power. The word (wa la quwwata) "ولاقُوَّةَ" means "and no power," emphasizing that all power and strength ultimately belong to Allah alone.

This phrase is a powerful reminder for Muslims to turn to Allah in times of difficulty and to seek His help and guidance. It serves as a means of humbling ourselves before the Almighty and recognizing that our abilities and resources are limited. By reciting this phrase, we acknowledge that true power and strength lie with Allah, and we seek His assistance in overcoming our challenges.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:45)

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]

This verse highlights the importance of relying on Allah's help and seeking His guidance through patience and prayer.

In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 8:60)

And be not weak-hearted in pursuit of the enemy; if you are suffering (hardships) then surely, they (too) are suffering (hardships) as you are suffering, but you have a hope from Allah (for the reward, i.e. Paradise) that for which they hope not

This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast and not lose hope in times of hardship, knowing that Allah's reward is far greater than any temporary difficulties we may face.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a practical application of these Quranic teachings. When faced with poverty or any other form of hardship, reciting the phrase

لاحَوْلَ ولاقُوَّةَ إلاّ بِاللّهِ العَلِيِّ العَظِيمِ

reminds us to turn to Allah for help and to trust in His infinite power and wisdom.

Moreover, this hadith teaches us the importance of relying on Allah's provisions and not becoming consumed by materialistic desires. Poverty can be a test of faith, and by reciting this phrase, we are reminded to place our trust in Allah's divine plan and to seek contentment in His blessings.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of seeking refuge in Allah during times of poverty and hardship. By reciting the phrase

لاحَوْلَ ولاقُوَّةَ إلاّ بِاللّهِ العَلِيِّ العَظِيمِ,

we acknowledge our dependence on Allah's power and seek His assistance in overcoming our challenges. This hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of relying on Allah, seeking His help through patience and prayer, and remaining steadfast in times of difficulty. May Allah grant us the strength to turn to Him in all circumstances and to trust in His infinite wisdom and mercy.