Hadith #4860

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,

التَّشَمُرُّ لِلْجِدِّ مِنْ سَعادَةِ الجَدِّ۔

This can be translated as,

Rolling up one’s clothes [in preparation] for serious work is from [one’s] good fortune.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (tashammur) "تَشَمُّر" refers to the act of rolling up or folding one's clothes. It signifies a deliberate and conscious effort to prepare oneself for serious work or a task that requires utmost dedication and focus. It is an outward manifestation of one's inner commitment and readiness to engage in strenuous efforts.

The word (jidd) "جِدّ" means seriousness, diligence, and determination. It represents the quality of being focused, dedicated, and wholeheartedly engaged in a task. It implies the exertion of one's mental and physical faculties to achieve a desired goal.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that shed light on the significance of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 21, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when he [Moses] came to it [the fire], he was called, 'O Moses, indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.'

Here, we see that Allah commanded Prophet Moses (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to remove his sandals as a sign of respect and readiness to receive divine guidance. This act of removing the sandals can be seen as a parallel to the act of rolling up one's clothes, both symbolizing a state of preparedness and reverence for the task at hand.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Muddathir, verse 4, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And your clothing purify.

This verse highlights the importance of adorning oneself with purity and righteousness, both inwardly and outwardly. Rolling up one's clothes can be seen as a metaphorical act of purifying oneself, removing any distractions or hindrances that may impede one's focus and dedication.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that true success and fulfillment in any endeavor require a sincere and wholehearted commitment. By rolling up our clothes, we symbolically remove any barriers or distractions that may hinder our progress. This act serves as a reminder to approach our tasks with seriousness, diligence, and determination, just as the Prophet Moses (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) did when he removed his sandals in the presence of Allah.

When we adopt this mindset, we are able to channel our energy and focus towards the task at hand, enabling us to achieve excellence and success. Whether it is in our studies, work, or any other aspect of life, rolling up our clothes becomes a tangible reminder of the importance of dedication and preparedness.

Moreover, this Hadith teaches us the value of discipline and self-control. By consciously rolling up our clothes, we train ourselves to prioritize our responsibilities and avoid distractions. This act cultivates a sense of mindfulness and intentionality in our actions, allowing us to make the most of our time and efforts.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of rolling up one's clothes in preparation for serious work. It serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims of the importance of dedication, focus, and preparedness in all aspects of life. By adopting this mindset, we can strive for excellence, overcome challenges, and achieve success in the tasks that Allah has entrusted us with. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for excellence in all our endeavors.