Hadith #4913

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,

رُبَّ سَلَف (سَلَب) عادَ خَلَفاً۔

This can be translated as,

Many a thing that has been sent ahead (or has been pillaged) returns back [as it was before].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (salaf) "سَلَف" in this Hadith refers to something that has been sent ahead or has been pillaged. It signifies the idea of something being taken away or lost. The word (aad) "عَادَ" means to return or come back. And the word (khalfa) "خَلَفاً" means back or as it was before.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286,

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

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not impose hardships on us that are beyond our capacity to endure. If we are faced with difficulties, we have the strength and resilience to overcome them. Therefore, even when we feel that something has been taken away from us or lost, there is always the possibility of its return.

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

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 hardships are a part of life. They test our faith, strengthen our character, and provide opportunities for growth. When we face difficulties, we should not lose hope, for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has promised that with every hardship, there is ease (Surah Al-Inshirah, verse 5).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that just as things can be taken away or lost, they can also be returned or regained. This principle applies not only to material possessions but also to intangible aspects of our lives, such as knowledge, relationships, and opportunities.

For example, if we lose a job or a business venture fails, it may seem like a setback. However, through perseverance and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can bounce back and find even greater success. Similarly, if we lose a loved one, the pain and grief may feel overwhelming. But with time and healing, we can find solace and strength in the memories and lessons they left behind.

This Hadith also reminds us of the importance of gratitude and contentment. We should appreciate the blessings we have been given and not take them for granted. In Surah Ibrahim, verse 7, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

When we are grateful for what we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) blesses us with more.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that things that have been taken away or lost can be returned or regained. It reminds us of the resilience and strength that lies within us, as well as the mercy and generosity of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should face challenges with patience, trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and gratitude for the blessings we have. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and apply the lessons from this Hadith in our lives.