Hadith #2133

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,

عَلى قَدْرِ الحِرمانِ تَكُونُ الحِرْفَةُ۔

This can be translated as,

The vocation [one undertakes] is based on the extent of deprivation.

Let us delve into the meaning of this profound statement. The word (hirfah) "حِرْفَةُ" refers to a vocation or a skill that one possesses. It encompasses the abilities, talents, and expertise that a person acquires in a particular field. The word (hurman) "حِرمانِ" refers to deprivation or lack.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting a profound truth about the relationship between deprivation and vocation. He is teaching us that the level of deprivation or lack in our lives often determines the skills and abilities we develop. In other words, the challenges and difficulties we face can shape our strengths and expertise.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quran. 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) knows our capabilities and does not place upon us a burden that is beyond our capacity. It implies that the challenges we face are within our ability to overcome.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Inshirah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 94:5)

Verily, with hardship, there is relief.

This verse assures us that after every difficulty, there is ease. It signifies that the struggles we encounter in life are not in vain, but rather, they lead to growth and progress.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges and hardships as opportunities for personal and professional development. When we face deprivation or lack in a certain area, it motivates us to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to overcome that deprivation. For example, if we lack financial resources, it may drive us to develop skills in entrepreneurship or financial management. If we lack knowledge in a particular field, it may push us to pursue education and gain expertise in that area.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our choices and actions. It reminds us that the vocation we choose should be aligned with our abilities and the challenges we have faced. By recognizing our areas of deprivation, we can make informed decisions about the skills we need to acquire and the paths we should pursue.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith also highlights the wisdom and knowledge he possessed. His understanding of the relationship between deprivation and vocation demonstrates his deep insight into human nature and the dynamics of personal growth. As a leader and guide, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the vocation we undertake is often shaped by the extent of deprivation we have experienced. It encourages us to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to reflect on the consequences of our choices. By recognizing our areas of lack, we can strive to acquire the necessary skills and expertise to overcome them. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to make the right choices in our vocations and bless us with success in our endeavors.