Hadith #8066

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنِ اغْتَرَّ بِمُسالَمَةِ الزَّمَنِ اِغْتَصَّ بِمُصادَمَةِ المِحَنِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who is deluded by the peacefulness of the time gets distressed by the impact of calamities.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (ightarra) "اغْتَرَّ" in this Hadith means to be deceived or deluded. It refers to a state where a person becomes complacent and content due to the apparent tranquility and ease of their circumstances. They are deceived into thinking that everything is fine and there is no need for vigilance or preparation.

The phrase (musalamat al-zaman) "مُسالَمَةِ الزَّمَنِ" refers to the peacefulness or tranquility of the time. It signifies a period where there is a lack of immediate threats or hardships. This could be a time of relative peace, stability, or prosperity.

On the other hand, the phrase (musadamat al-mihan) "مُصادَمَةِ المِحَنِ" refers to the impact or encounter with calamities. It represents the trials, tribulations, and challenges that one may face in life. These can be physical, emotional, or spiritual difficulties that test a person's faith, patience, and resilience.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155:

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse emphasizes that trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of life. They serve as tests from Allah to purify and strengthen our faith. If we become deluded by the peacefulness of our circumstances and fail to prepare ourselves for the challenges that may lie ahead, we will be distressed when calamities befall us.

In Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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

This verse reminds us that belief alone is not enough; it must be tested and proven. If we become complacent and fail to anticipate the tests and trials that may come our way, we will be ill-prepared to face them when they do arrive.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us against being deceived by the apparent tranquility of the time. He reminds us that true peace and contentment can only be achieved through a deep understanding of the transient nature of this world and the certainty of trials and tribulations.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw several important lessons. Firstly, we should never be deceived by the temporary peace and ease of our circumstances. We must always remain vigilant and prepared for the challenges that may come our way.

Secondly, we should not be disheartened or distressed when faced with calamities. Instead, we should embrace them as opportunities for growth, purification, and spiritual elevation. Trials and tribulations are a means for us to strengthen our faith, develop patience, and seek closeness to Allah.

Lastly, this Hadith reminds us to be proactive in our approach to life. We should not wait for calamities to strike before we take action. Rather, we should constantly strive to improve ourselves, seek knowledge, and strengthen our relationship with Allah. This will enable us to navigate through the challenges of life with wisdom, resilience, and steadfastness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims. It warns us against being deluded by the peacefulness of the time and emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the trials and tribulations that may come our way. By reflecting on the Quranic verses and the wisdom of Imam Ali, we can gain a deeper understanding of the transient nature of this world and the significance of staying steadfast in the face of challenges. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to navigate through the tests of life and may He bless us with true peace and contentment.