Hadith #2058

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,

لَنْ يُتَعَبَّدَ الحُرُّ حَتّى يُزالَ عَنْهُ الضُّرُّ۔

This can be translated as,

The free man will never become enslaved until distress is removed from him.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (hurr) "حُرُّ" refers to a free person, someone who is not bound by physical or mental constraints. It signifies a state of independence and freedom. The word (yuta'abbada) "يُتَعَبَّدَ" means to be enslaved or subjugated. It implies a loss of freedom and autonomy. The word (durr) "ضُّرُّ" refers to distress, hardship, or affliction. It represents any form of suffering that weighs down on an individual.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights a profound truth about the nature of freedom and servitude. It emphasizes that a truly free person cannot be enslaved as long as they are not burdened by distress. This distress can take various forms, such as physical ailments, emotional turmoil, financial difficulties, or any other form of hardship that hampers one's ability to live a fulfilling and independent life.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Balad, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 90:4)

We have certainly created man into hardship

This verse acknowledges the inherent nature of human existence, which is filled with challenges and difficulties. It reminds us that distress is an inevitable part of life and that every individual will face trials and tribulations.

However, the Quran also provides us with guidance on how to navigate through these hardships. In Surah Ash-Sharh, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 94:5-6)

Indeed, with hardship, there is relief. Indeed, with hardship, there is relief

This verse reassures us that for every difficulty we encounter, there is a corresponding ease. It reminds us that distress is temporary and that relief will eventually come.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement aligns with this Quranic principle. It emphasizes that true freedom is not merely the absence of physical chains but also the liberation from distress and hardship. A person may be physically free but still be enslaved by their own worries, anxieties, or external circumstances. On the other hand, a person may be physically bound but possess inner freedom and tranquility.

When we reflect on this Hadith, we realize that it carries profound implications for our understanding of freedom and servitude. It encourages us to strive for inner liberation by seeking relief from distress. This can be achieved through various means, such as seeking knowledge, developing resilience, cultivating gratitude, and relying on Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guidance.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of empathy and compassion towards others. As Muslims, we are obligated to alleviate the distress of those around us and work towards creating a just and equitable society. By doing so, we contribute to the liberation of others from the shackles of hardship and help them attain true freedom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true freedom is not merely the absence of physical bondage but also the liberation from distress and hardship. It reminds us that a person can only be considered truly free when they are relieved from the burdens that weigh them down. By seeking relief from distress and working towards the well-being of others, we can attain a state of true freedom and servitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to navigate through life's challenges and attain true freedom.