Hadith #10136

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "قَدْ يُنالُ النُّجْحُ۔" which translates to

At times success may be attained.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran.

The word (najh) "نُّجْحُ" in this Hadith refers to success or achievement. It signifies the attainment of a desired outcome or the accomplishment of a goal. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the fact that success is not always guaranteed, but it can be attained under certain circumstances.

To understand the significance of this statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of perseverance, patience, and steadfastness in the face of challenges. It reminds us that success is not easily obtained, but rather requires dedication and a strong connection with Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) as a means of achieving success. It emphasizes the need to avoid disputes and maintain unity within the Muslim community, as division weakens our strength and hinders our progress.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that success is not solely dependent on external factors, but also on our own efforts and actions. It encourages us to strive for success by following the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), and by embodying the qualities of patience, perseverance, and obedience.

To illustrate this concept, let us consider an example. Imagine a student who aspires to excel in their studies. They may have the desire to succeed, but without putting in the necessary effort, they will not achieve their goal. Success in this context requires diligent studying, attending classes, seeking guidance from teachers, and maintaining a disciplined routine. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, success requires sincere worship, adherence to Islamic teachings, and constant self-improvement.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder that success is not always immediate or apparent. It may take time, patience, and perseverance before we see the fruits of our efforts. In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:2-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.

This verse reminds us that trials and tests are a part of life, and they serve as a means of distinguishing the sincere believers from the hypocrites. Success, therefore, may come after enduring trials and remaining steadfast in our faith.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

At times success may be attained,

highlights the importance of striving for success through perseverance, obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), and patience in the face of challenges. It reminds us that success is not guaranteed, but can be achieved through our own efforts and actions. May Allah grant us the wisdom and determination to pursue success in this life and the Hereafter.