Hadith #10295

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights two important blessings bestowed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) upon His servants. The first blessing is the (إفضال) "benevolence" that Allah grants during times of ease, while the second blessing is the (تطهير) "purification" that Allah bestows during times of hardship.

To understand the depth and significance of these blessings, let us delve into the Quranic verses that shed light on these concepts. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286:

(Quran 2:286)

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

This verse emphasizes that Allah, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, does not burden His servants with trials and tribulations that exceed their capacity to endure. Even in times of hardship, Allah ensures that His servants are capable of facing and overcoming the challenges they encounter. This is the first aspect of the blessing of purification mentioned in the Hadith.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 2:

(Quran 29:2)

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

This verse reminds us that trials and difficulties are an inherent part of our journey of faith. They serve as tests to strengthen our belief and purify our souls. Just as gold is refined through intense heat, our character and faith are refined through the trials we face. Therefore, the blessing of purification mentioned in the Hadith is a means through which Allah purifies our hearts, strengthens our faith, and elevates our spiritual status.

In times of ease, Allah bestows the blessing of benevolence upon His servants. This refers to the abundance of blessings and favors that Allah grants during periods of prosperity and comfort. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan, verse 7:

(Quran 76:7-9)

They fulfill their vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread. And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse highlights the benevolence of the believers who, out of love for Allah, generously give food to those in need without expecting any reward or gratitude. It exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and compassion that should prevail during times of ease. The blessing of benevolence mentioned in the Hadith encompasses not only material blessings but also the ability to extend kindness, support, and love to others.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims that both ease and hardship are blessings from Allah. In times of ease, we should express gratitude for the abundance of blessings and use them to benefit others. We should not become complacent or arrogant, but rather recognize that these blessings are a test of our character and a means to fulfill our responsibilities towards others.

In times of hardship, we should seek solace in the knowledge that Allah does not burden us beyond our capacity. We should turn to Him in sincere supplication, seeking His guidance and strength to overcome the challenges we face. Hardship is an opportunity for self-reflection, self-improvement, and spiritual growth. It is through these trials that our hearts are purified, our faith is strengthened, and our connection with Allah is deepened.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the qualities of benevolence and purification in both ease and hardship. We should be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us and use them to benefit others. We should also embrace the trials and tribulations as opportunities for growth and purification. By doing so, we can attain a higher level of spiritual elevation and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the understanding and ability to live by the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and may He bless us with the blessings of benevolence and purification.