Hadith #1015

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,

مَنْ كابَدَ الأُمُورَ عَطِبَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who suffers the severity of matters, perishes.

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

The word (kabada) "كابَدَ" refers to experiencing the weight or burden of something. It signifies the hardships, difficulties, and challenges that one may face in life. The word (al-umur) "الأُمُورَ" refers to matters or affairs, encompassing various aspects of life such as personal, social, and spiritual matters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of enduring the severity of these matters without seeking guidance and support. He highlights that those who bear the weight of difficulties without proper understanding and coping mechanisms are likely to perish, both in this world and the hereafter.

To further comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286,

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

This verse assures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and does not place upon us a burden that exceeds our capacity to endure.

However, it is important to note that the severity of matters mentioned in the Hadith does not refer to the natural trials and tribulations of life, as they are a part of the human experience. Rather, it refers to the self-imposed burdens that we create by neglecting the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ).

In Surah Al-A'raf, verse 42, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

But the transgressors among them changed the word from that which had been given them, so We sent upon them a punishment from the sky because they were defiantly disobeying.

This verse highlights the consequences of disregarding the divine guidance and altering the teachings of Allah. Such actions lead to self-inflicted hardships and ultimately, destruction.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding in order to navigate through the challenges of life. He encourages us to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to avoid perishing under the weight of our own ignorance and arrogance.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that it is a call to self-reflection and self-improvement. It urges us to be proactive in seeking knowledge, understanding, and guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ). By doing so, we equip ourselves with the necessary tools to face the difficulties of life with wisdom, patience, and resilience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge and guidance in order to navigate through the challenges of life. It warns us against the perils of enduring the severity of matters without seeking divine guidance, as it can lead to our own destruction. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to overcome the burdens of life and attain success in this world and the hereafter.