Hadith #1014

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ كابَدَ الأُمورَ هَلَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who suffers the severity of matters is destroyed.

In this enlightening saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive consequences of enduring the burdens and hardships of life without seeking guidance and support from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some important words. The word (kabada) "كابَدَ" refers to the act of enduring, suffering, or bearing the weight of something. It signifies the immense difficulties and challenges that one may face in life. The word (al-umur) "الأُمورَ" refers to matters or affairs, encompassing all aspects of life, including personal, social, and spiritual dimensions.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking His guidance and support in times of hardship. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

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

This verse reassures us that Allah is aware of our capabilities and will not burden us with more than we can handle. Therefore, when we face difficulties, it is crucial to turn to Allah for strength and guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of shouldering the burdens of life without relying on Allah. When we try to bear the weight of our problems alone, we become overwhelmed, mentally and emotionally drained, and ultimately destroyed. This destruction can manifest in various forms, such as despair, anxiety, depression, and even spiritual decline.

To illustrate this, let us consider an example. Imagine a person facing financial difficulties. Instead of seeking Allah's help and guidance through sincere supplication and reliance on Him, they decide to handle everything on their own. They exhaust themselves by working multiple jobs, neglecting their physical and mental well-being, and becoming consumed by stress and worry. Eventually, their health deteriorates, relationships suffer, and they find themselves in a state of despair and hopelessness. This is the destruction that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about.

In another verse of the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the importance of seeking His assistance. In Surah Al-Ghafir (40:60), Allah says,

And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you.'

This verse emphasizes the power of supplication and the promise that Allah will answer our prayers. Therefore, when faced with difficulties, we should turn to Allah, seeking His guidance, support, and mercy.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the significance of relying on Allah in all aspects of our lives. It serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, and that Allah is always there to guide and support us. By seeking His assistance, we can navigate through the challenges of life with strength, resilience, and ultimately, success.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to turn to Him in times of hardship and to seek His guidance and support. May He protect us from the destructive consequences of shouldering the burdens of life alone. Ameen.