Hadith #6169

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

مِفْتاحُ الظَّفَرِ لُزُومُ الصَّبْرِ

which translates to

The key to victory is remaining patient.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of patience in achieving success and overcoming challenges.

The word (dhafar) "ظَفَرِ" in the Hadith refers to victory or triumph. It signifies achieving a desired outcome or attaining success in any endeavor. The word (luzoom) "لُزُومُ" means to adhere to or remain steadfast in something. And (sabr) "صَبْرِ" means patience, endurance, and steadfastness in the face of difficulties or hardships.

The concept of patience is emphasized throughout the Quran, as it is a virtue that is greatly rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 153:

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

Patience is not only a means of seeking help from Allah, but it is also a source of strength and resilience. It allows us to remain steadfast in our faith and to face challenges with a positive mindset. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 186:

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that victory is not solely dependent on external factors, but also on our ability to remain patient and steadfast in the face of adversity. Patience enables us to navigate through difficult times and to persevere in our pursuit of success.

For example, in the Battle of Uhud, the Muslims faced a setback due to a lapse in patience. Some of the companions became impatient and left their positions, which led to a temporary defeat. However, those who remained patient and steadfast, like Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), were able to turn the tide of the battle and achieve victory.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate patience in their lives. It encourages us to remain patient in times of difficulty, to persevere in our worship and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and to have faith that victory will come to those who remain steadfast.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the key to victory lies in remaining patient. Patience is a virtue that is highly regarded in Islam and is rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It enables us to overcome challenges, persevere in our faith, and ultimately achieve success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody the virtue of patience in our lives.