Hadith #3062

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

مَنْ قَعَدَ عَنْ حِيلَتِهِ (جِبِلَّتِهِ)، أقامَتْهُ الشَّدائِدُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who neglects his recourse (or natural disposition) is made to rise [towards it] by tribulations.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (hīlah) "حِيلَة" refers to a recourse or a means of escape. It signifies the innate abilities and talents that Allah has bestowed upon each individual. It is the natural disposition that enables a person to face challenges and overcome difficulties. The word (jibillah) "جِبِلَّة" is a variant of "حِيلَة" and carries the same meaning.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find support for the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:2),

Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried?

This verse emphasizes that trials and tribulations are an integral part of life. They serve as a means to test our faith and strengthen our resolve. They are a reminder for us to turn back to our innate abilities and seek refuge in Allah's guidance.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse reassures us that Allah knows our capabilities and will not burden us with trials that exceed our capacity. It is through facing these challenges that we discover our true potential and rise above our limitations.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of neglecting our innate abilities and not utilizing them to their full potential. When we fail to recognize and develop our God-given talents, we become stagnant and complacent. However, Allah, in His infinite wisdom, sends trials and tribulations our way to awaken us from our slumber and remind us of our true potential.

These tribulations serve as a wake-up call, prompting us to reflect on our actions and seek guidance from Allah. They push us out of our comfort zones and force us to tap into our innate abilities. By doing so, we rise above the challenges and become stronger individuals.

For example, imagine a person who possesses great leadership skills but chooses to remain passive and avoid taking on any responsibilities. Such an individual may face various difficulties and hardships that force them to step up and utilize their leadership qualities. Through these trials, they realize their true potential and become effective leaders, benefiting themselves and those around them.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of recognizing and utilizing our innate abilities. Neglecting these abilities leads to stagnation and complacency. However, Allah, in His wisdom, sends trials and tribulations to awaken us and push us towards our true potential. By embracing these challenges and seeking refuge in Allah, we can rise above our limitations and become stronger individuals. May Allah guide us all to recognize and utilize our innate abilities for the betterment of ourselves and humanity.