Hadith #3221

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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, "Al-Makarim bil-Makarih." This Hadith can be translated as,

Noble traits are [acquired] through difficulties.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "Makarim" is derived from the root word "Karama," which means nobility, honor, and excellence. It refers to the elevated qualities and virtues that a person possesses. On the other hand, "Makarih" is derived from the root word "Karaha," which means difficulties, hardships, and challenges. It refers to the trials and tribulations that one faces in life.

This Hadith emphasizes that noble traits are not acquired easily or without effort. They are cultivated through the hardships and challenges that we encounter. It is through facing and overcoming these difficulties that we develop and refine our character, enabling us to attain noble qualities.

The Quran provides us with numerous examples and teachings that support this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286:

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

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) knows our capabilities and does not burden us with challenges that are beyond our capacity to handle. It is through facing these challenges that we can develop and strengthen our character.

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 highlights the inevitability of trials and tests in our lives. It is through these tests that our faith is purified and our character is refined. The difficulties we face serve as a means of growth and development, enabling us to acquire noble traits.

When we reflect upon the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we find numerous examples that exemplify the truth of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) faced countless challenges and hardships throughout his life. From the early days of Islam, he stood firmly by the side of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), facing persecution and opposition from the enemies of Islam.

One of the most significant examples of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) noble traits being acquired through difficulties is his unwavering commitment to justice. Despite facing numerous hardships and betrayals, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) never compromised on his principles. He stood firmly for justice, even when it meant going against the tide of popular opinion.

The Battle of Jamal serves as a prime example of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) commitment to justice. Despite the difficulties and challenges he faced during this battle, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained steadfast in upholding the truth and ensuring justice was served. This exemplifies how noble traits are acquired through difficulties, as Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) character was refined and his commitment to justice was strengthened through the hardships he faced.

As Muslims, we should reflect upon this Hadith and strive to embrace the difficulties and challenges that come our way. Instead of viewing them as obstacles, we should see them as opportunities for growth and development. By facing these difficulties with patience, perseverance, and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can acquire noble traits and elevate our character.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to face the challenges of life with grace and patience. May He bless us with the ability to acquire noble traits through the difficulties we encounter, and may He guide us on the path of righteousness.