Hadith #5868

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 Muhammad, the seal of the Prophets, and his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his companions who followed in their footsteps.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "بِالفَجايِعِ يَتَنَغَّصُ السُُّرُورُ۔" This can be translated as:

Through calamities, happiness is spoiled.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (faja'ah) "فَجَاعَة" refers to calamities, hardships, or adversities that one may face in life. It encompasses various forms of trials and tribulations, such as physical, emotional, or financial difficulties. The word (yatanaghasu) "يَتَنَغَّصُ" means to spoil or diminish. And finally, (as-suroor) "السُّرُورُ" refers to happiness, joy, or contentment.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 highlights the inevitability of facing trials and tribulations in life. It reminds us that these hardships are a test from Allah, and it is through patience and perseverance that we can overcome them.

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 emphasizes that trials and tribulations are an integral part of our faith journey. They serve as a means to purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and increase our reliance on Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement:

Through calamities, happiness is spoiled.

This Hadith teaches us that while calamities may bring temporary distress and sadness, they also have the potential to diminish our happiness and contentment. It is natural for human beings to experience sorrow and grief during difficult times. However, it is important to remember that these hardships are not meant to break us, but rather to shape us into better individuals.

When we face calamities, our initial reaction may be one of despair and hopelessness. However, if we approach these trials with patience, trust in Allah, and a positive mindset, we can transform our hardships into opportunities for growth and spiritual elevation. By maintaining a strong connection with Allah and seeking His guidance and support, we can find solace and strength amidst the challenges we face.

For example, imagine a person who loses their job due to unforeseen circumstances. Initially, they may feel devastated and anxious about their future. However, if they turn to Allah in prayer and seek His guidance, they may discover new opportunities or alternative paths that they had not considered before. Through this experience, they may develop new skills, meet new people, or even find a more fulfilling career path. In this way, the calamity of losing a job becomes a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

In another scenario, consider a person who faces a serious illness. While the physical pain and emotional distress may be overwhelming, they can find solace in their faith and the support of their loved ones. Through their struggle, they may develop a deeper appreciation for life, a stronger connection with Allah, and a renewed sense of purpose. Their experience becomes a source of inspiration for others, as they demonstrate resilience and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that through calamities, happiness can be spoiled. However, it is our response to these trials that determines the outcome. By maintaining patience, trust in Allah, and a positive mindset, we can transform our hardships into opportunities for growth and spiritual elevation. Let us remember that Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity, and He is always there to guide and support us through every difficulty we face. May we find strength, solace, and happiness in the face of adversity, and may our faith be a source of light and inspiration for others.