اَللَّجاجَةُ تُورِثُ مالَيْسَ لِلْمَرْءِ إلَيْهِ حاجَةٌ۔
Stubbornness brings to a person that which he is not in need of.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Stubbornness)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.
The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
Al-Lajajatu tuwarithu mala laysa lilmar'i ilayhi hajah.
This Hadith emphasizes the negative consequences of stubbornness and highlights that it brings to a person things that they do not actually need.
Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. "Al-Lajajah" refers to stubbornness or obstinacy, which is the quality of being unyielding or resistant to change. It implies a rigid mindset that refuses to accept alternative viewpoints or adapt to new circumstances. "Tuwarithu" means to inherit, indicating that the consequences of stubbornness are passed down from one generation to another. "Mala" refers to wealth or possessions, and
laysa lilmar'i ilayhi hajah
means that the person has no need for it.
To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 18:
Deaf, dumb and blind, so they will not return [to the right path].
This verse describes those who are stubborn in their disbelief and refusal to accept the truth. Their stubbornness blinds them from recognizing the signs of Allah and prevents them from seeking guidance. Consequently, they inherit spiritual poverty and remain deprived of the true wealth of faith and righteousness.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 56, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:
Indeed, you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.
This verse reminds us that guidance is solely in the hands of Allah. If we persist in our stubbornness and refuse to seek His guidance, we will be deprived of His blessings and the true knowledge that leads to success in this life and the hereafter.
The consequences of stubbornness can be observed in various aspects of life. For instance, in matters of faith, a person who clings to their own opinions without considering the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) may fall into the trap of innovation and deviation from the true path of Islam. They may inherit misguided beliefs and practices, which ultimately distance them from the mercy and blessings of Allah.
Similarly, in interpersonal relationships, stubbornness can lead to conflicts and strained connections. When individuals refuse to listen to others, compromise, or acknowledge their mistakes, they create an environment of hostility and discord. This not only harms their own well-being but also affects the harmony of families, communities, and societies at large.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to cultivate humility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn and grow. It encourages us to seek knowledge, reflect upon the teachings of the Quran, and follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of stubbornness and inherit the true wealth of faith, righteousness, and guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize and overcome our own stubbornness, and may He guide us on the straight path. Ameen.
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