Hadith #5618

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

قَلَّ مَنْ صَبَرَ إلاّ قَدَرَ۔

This can be translated to mean,

It is seldom that one is patient yet he does not become powerful.

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

The word (sabr) "صَبَرَ" in Arabic refers to patience, perseverance, and steadfastness in the face of difficulties and trials. It is a quality highly praised in Islam and is considered one of the keys to success in this world and the Hereafter. Patience is not merely the ability to endure hardships, but it also encompasses maintaining a positive attitude, controlling one's emotions, and seeking solace in the remembrance of Allah.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of patience in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:155-156)

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, who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'

This verse highlights the connection between patience and faith. The patient ones are those who, in times of adversity, turn to Allah and seek His help and guidance. They understand that everything happens by the will of Allah and that their ultimate return is to Him. This belief gives them strength and resilience, enabling them to face challenges with determination and fortitude.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement further adds that patience is not a passive quality but rather a source of empowerment. When one remains patient in the face of trials, they are not weakened or defeated. On the contrary, their patience becomes a means of acquiring strength, both spiritually and emotionally. It is through patience that one develops resilience, wisdom, and the ability to overcome obstacles.

The Quran affirms this concept in various verses. Allah says, (Quran 2:153)

Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse reassures the believers that Allah is always present with those who exercise patience. He supports them, guides them, and grants them the strength to endure and overcome their difficulties.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah declares, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the significance of patience as one of the essential qualities for attaining success. It emphasizes that true success lies not only in faith and good deeds but also in advising and encouraging one another to be patient.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the power of patience. It encourages us to embrace patience as a means of personal growth and empowerment. When faced with challenges, we should not lose hope or become disheartened. Instead, we should strive to maintain patience, knowing that it is through patience that we can emerge stronger and more resilient.

Let us reflect on the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself, who was known for his immense knowledge, wisdom, and patience. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations throughout his life, he remained steadfast and unwavering in his faith. His patience in the face of adversity not only strengthened his character but also inspired generations of Muslims to follow in his footsteps.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound connection between patience and empowerment. It teaches us that true strength lies in remaining patient in the face of challenges and difficulties. By exercising patience, we can develop resilience, wisdom, and the ability to overcome obstacles. May Allah grant us the strength to embrace patience and may it be a source of empowerment in our lives.