Hadith #11316

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever embarks on the frightful [and risky] earns wealth.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word (rakiba) "رَكِبَ" in this Hadith means "to embark" or "to ride." It implies undertaking a journey or venturing into something. The word (ahwal) "أهْوالَ" refers to something frightful, dangerous, or risky. And the word (iktasaba) "اِكْتَسَبَ" means "to earn" or "to acquire."

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 186:

You shall certainly be tested in your possessions and in yourselves; and indeed, you shall hear many hurtful things from those who were given the Book before you and from those who associate others with Allah. But if you endure patiently and guard against evil, then that is of the matters requiring determination.

This verse highlights the trials and tribulations that believers will face in their lives. It emphasizes that we will be tested in our possessions and within ourselves. These tests can be in the form of financial difficulties, personal challenges, or even facing opposition from others. However, the verse encourages us to endure patiently and guard against evil.

When Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) says,

Whoever embarks on the frightful [and risky] earns wealth,

he is reminding us that facing challenges and taking risks can lead to great rewards. Just as a person who embarks on a risky journey may acquire wealth, similarly, those who face the difficulties of life with patience and perseverance will be rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports this concept is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286:

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

This verse reassures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not place a burden on us that is beyond our capacity. It implies that whatever challenges we face, we have the strength and ability to overcome them.

When we face difficult situations, we are given an opportunity to grow, learn, and develop resilience. By enduring hardships and remaining steadfast in our faith, we acquire spiritual wealth that cannot be measured in material terms. This wealth includes increased faith, wisdom, patience, and a closer relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is reminding us of the importance of embracing challenges and taking risks. He encourages us to face our fears and difficulties head-on, knowing that the rewards of such endeavors are not limited to material wealth alone. By embarking on the frightful and risky, we have the opportunity to earn spiritual wealth and strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that facing challenges and taking risks is a means of acquiring spiritual wealth. Just as embarking on a risky journey can lead to material wealth, enduring hardships and remaining steadfast in faith can lead to spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us embrace the difficulties of life with patience and perseverance, knowing that the rewards are far greater than what we can imagine. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to face our fears and challenges, and may He bless us with abundant spiritual wealth.