Hadith #1836

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 pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

ثوابُ الجِهادِ أعْظَمُ الثَّوابِ۔

This can be translated as,

The reward for striving [in the way of Allah] is the greatest reward.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this amazing Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (jihad) "جِهَاد" is derived from the root word (jahada) "جَهَدَ", which means to strive or struggle. It encompasses various forms of struggle, including the struggle against one's own desires, the struggle to uphold justice, and the struggle in the path of Allah. The term "جِهَاد" is often associated with armed warfare, but it is important to note that the concept of jihad is not limited to physical combat. It encompasses all efforts made to please Allah and establish His justice on earth.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of jihad in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:78), Allah says,

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.

This verse highlights the significance of striving in the way of Allah and reassures us that Allah does not burden us beyond our capabilities.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds, which are also forms of jihad. It reminds us that our efforts should be sincere and guided by the principles of goodness and righteousness.

Now, let us reflect on the thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The Hadith states that the reward for striving in the way of Allah is the greatest reward. This implies that the act of jihad, in all its forms, holds immense value and is highly esteemed in the eyes of Allah.

When we strive for the sake of Allah, we demonstrate our dedication and commitment to His cause. Whether it is through self-discipline, promoting justice, or engaging in acts of charity and kindness, our efforts are rewarded by Allah. The magnitude of this reward is unparalleled, as it encompasses both the blessings of this world and the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.

By engaging in jihad, we not only seek to please Allah but also contribute to the betterment of society. Our efforts can bring about positive change, alleviate the suffering of others, and establish a just and compassionate society. The consequences of our striving are far-reaching, impacting not only ourselves but also those around us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom. His statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the path of jihad, when undertaken with sincerity and in accordance with the teachings of Islam, leads to the greatest reward. It encourages us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives, seeking to please Allah and make a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of jihad in the way of Allah. It encompasses all forms of struggle and is not limited to armed combat. By striving for the sake of Allah, we earn the greatest reward, both in this world and the Hereafter. Let us strive to embody the spirit of jihad in our daily lives, seeking to please Allah and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to engage in jihad with sincerity and righteousness.