Hadith #3491

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and upon his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

قَلَّما يَعُودُ الإدْبارُ إقْبالاً۔

This can be translated as:

It is seldom that one who turns back [and retreats] returns to the front.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (idbaar) "إدْبارُ" refers to turning back or retreating from a situation. It signifies a loss of courage, determination, or resolve. On the other hand, (iqbaalan) "إقْبالاً" means returning or going back to the front, indicating a renewed commitment and determination to face challenges.

This Hadith highlights the rarity of someone who retreats from a difficult situation and then regains the strength to return and face it once again. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran (3:146), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many religious scholars. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast.

This verse highlights the unwavering determination of the prophets and their companions in the face of hardships. They did not retreat or lose hope, but rather remained steadfast in their commitment to the cause of Allah. It is this resilience and perseverance that Allah loves and rewards.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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 emphasizes the importance of obedience and unity among the believers. Disputes and divisions can lead to a loss of courage and strength, causing individuals to retreat from their responsibilities. However, Allah reminds us to be patient and steadfast, for He is with those who persevere.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. It serves as a reminder that retreating from challenges and difficulties should not become a habit or a permanent state. It is natural to face moments of weakness or doubt, but the key is to overcome them and return to the front with renewed determination.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words in this Hadith reflect his deep understanding of human nature and the importance of resilience. He encourages us to push through our fears and doubts, reminding us that it is rare for someone who retreats to regain the strength to return to the front.

This Hadith also teaches us the consequences of retreating. When we retreat from challenges, we may miss out on opportunities for growth, learning, and success. It is only by facing difficulties head-on that we can truly overcome them and reach our full potential.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. It urges us not to let setbacks or moments of weakness define us, but rather to gather our strength and return to the front with renewed determination. May Allah grant us the strength and resilience to face life's challenges and emerge victorious.