Hadith #4868

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:

رُبَّ ساع فيما يَضُرُّهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

Many a person strives in that which is harmful for him.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (sa'a) "ساع" in the Hadith refers to a person's efforts or endeavors. It signifies the actions and struggles that individuals undertake in their lives. The word (yadurruhu) "يَضُرُّهُ" means that which causes harm or detriment. It represents actions or pursuits that are detrimental to a person's well-being, both in this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the reality that many people engage in activities that ultimately bring harm upon themselves. They may exert great effort and energy, but their endeavors lead them towards negative consequences rather than positive outcomes. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and ensure that their efforts are directed towards that which is beneficial and in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and trusting His wisdom, even when our desires may lead us astray. It reminds us that what we perceive as harmful may, in fact, be beneficial for us in the long run.

Another verse that complements the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:84):

And say: 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse highlights the significance of seeking Allah's guidance in our endeavors. By seeking His support and following His teachings, we can ensure that our efforts lead us towards success and protection from harm.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and intentions. It urges us to reflect upon the consequences of our endeavors and ensure that they align with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can avoid engaging in activities that may bring harm upon ourselves and instead strive towards actions that bring us closer to Allah's pleasure and eternal success.

For example, a person may exert great effort in accumulating wealth without considering the ethical implications of their actions. They may engage in dishonest practices or exploit others in their pursuit of financial gain. However, such endeavors are harmful not only to others but also to the individual's own spiritual well-being. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of honesty, justice, and compassion in our dealings, reminding us that true success lies in righteousness and piety.

Similarly, individuals may strive for worldly recognition and fame, neglecting their spiritual growth and neglecting their duties towards Allah and their fellow human beings. However, the Quran reminds us that true honor and success come from humility, sincerity, and devotion to Allah. As stated in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and intentions. It urges us to strive towards endeavors that are beneficial for us in this world and the hereafter, aligning our efforts with the teachings of Islam. By seeking Allah's guidance and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can ensure that our endeavors lead us towards success, both in this life and the eternal life to come.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to discern between that which is beneficial and that which is harmful. May He bless us with the ability to align our efforts with His pleasure and the teachings of Islam. And may He grant us success in this world and the hereafter.