Hadith #4870

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 ساع لِقاعِد۔" This can be translated as,

Many a person strives for one who is seated [doing nothing].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (sa'a) "ساع" in this Hadith refers to a person who exerts effort, struggles, or strives towards a goal. It signifies someone who is actively engaged in work, whether it be physical, intellectual, or spiritual. On the other hand, the word (liqa'id) "لِقاعِد" refers to someone who is seated or idle, not exerting any effort or contributing to society.

This Hadith highlights the disparity between those who strive and those who remain idle. It serves as a reminder that many individuals dedicate their time and energy towards achieving their goals, while others choose to remain passive and unproductive. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is drawing our attention to the fact that such imbalances exist within society.

To understand the profound wisdom behind 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-Isra, verse 80, Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse encourages us to seek Allah's assistance in our endeavors and to strive for success in both our entry into this world and our departure from it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8, Allah states,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of actively engaging with others, even those who may not share our beliefs or values. It encourages us to strive for justice and righteousness in our interactions with others, regardless of their stance towards us.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that while some individuals dedicate themselves to productive endeavors, others choose to remain idle. This Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own lives and assess whether we are actively striving towards our goals or simply sitting back and expecting success to come to us.

By striving, we can achieve personal growth, contribute to society, and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims. It is through our efforts that we can make a positive impact on our communities and the world at large. Conversely, by remaining idle, we not only miss out on opportunities for personal development but also fail to fulfill our obligations towards ourselves and others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words continue to guide and inspire us today. Through this Hadith, he reminds us of the importance of exerting effort and striving towards our goals. Let us reflect on our own lives and strive to be among those who actively contribute to society, rather than being content with idleness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and determination to be among those who strive for excellence in all aspects of life.