Hadith #5878

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,

عَلى قَدْرِ المُصيبَةِ تَكُونُ المَثُوبَةُ۔

This can be translated as,

To the extent of the hardship, there is reward.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the principle that the magnitude of the reward is directly proportional to the level of difficulty or adversity faced by an individual.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the Quran to find supporting verses that shed light on this concept. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286,

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

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not place a burden on any individual that exceeds their capacity to endure. It implies that every hardship or trial we face has been tailor-made for us, taking into consideration our abilities and strengths.

Furthermore, 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 tribulations in the life of a believer. It reminds us that hardships are an integral part of our journey towards attaining spiritual growth and purification.

Now, let us reflect on the essence of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. When we face difficulties, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual, we often feel overwhelmed and may question the purpose behind our suffering. However, this Hadith reminds us that every hardship we endure is an opportunity for us to earn immense rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

For example, if a person is faced with financial difficulties and is struggling to make ends meet, their perseverance and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) during this challenging time can lead to the development of qualities such as patience, gratitude, and humility. These qualities are highly regarded in Islam and are rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Similarly, if a person is afflicted with a physical illness, their endurance, trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and reliance on Him for healing can lead to the purification of their soul and the strengthening of their faith. This struggle can result in a higher level of spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), which in turn leads to a greater reward in the hereafter.

It is important to note that the magnitude of the reward is not solely based on the external severity of the hardship but also on the internal struggle and sincerity of the individual. Two people may face the same external difficulty, but their internal response and level of faith can greatly differ. Therefore, the reward is not determined by the nature of the hardship itself but rather by the individual's reaction to it.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that every hardship we face in life is an opportunity for us to earn immense rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not burden us beyond our capacity and that every trial has a purpose and a potential for growth. By facing our difficulties with patience, trust, and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can transform our hardships into a means of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and securing a greater reward in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to face our trials with patience and faith.