Hadith #1684

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, and his noble companions.

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

الجزع عند البلاء من تمام المحنة

which can be translated as,

Anxiety during hardship completes [and enhances] the calamity.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of understanding the role of anxiety and distress in times of difficulty.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words. (al-jaz') "الجزع" refers to anxiety, distress, or unease. It is the state of being overwhelmed by worry or fear. (al-bala') "البلاء" refers to hardship, affliction, or calamity. It encompasses any form of adversity or trial that one may face in life. (tamam al-mihnah) "تمام المحنة" means the completion or enhancement of the calamity.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

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

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and does not place upon us a burden that we cannot endure. Therefore, when faced with a calamity, it is essential to trust in Allah's wisdom and have faith in His decree.

Additionally, in Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, with hardship, there is relief. Indeed, with hardship, there is relief.

This verse emphasizes that every difficulty is accompanied by ease. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of distress, there is always a glimmer of hope and relief awaiting us.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. Anxiety during hardship completes the calamity, not in the sense of intensifying the actual hardship, but rather in terms of the spiritual growth and development that can be achieved through the experience of anxiety.

When faced with a calamity, it is natural for a person to feel anxious and distressed. This anxiety can arise from various factors, such as fear of the unknown, uncertainty about the future, or concern for loved ones. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that this anxiety, when channeled correctly, can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and spiritual elevation.

In times of hardship, anxiety can motivate us to seek solace in prayer and supplication. It can push us to turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with sincerity and humility, seeking His guidance and support. This heightened state of anxiety can lead to a deeper connection with our Creator, as we recognize our dependence on Him and acknowledge His power to alleviate our distress.

Moreover, anxiety during hardship can also enhance our empathy and compassion towards others who are facing similar challenges. It reminds us of the importance of reaching out to those in need, offering support, and lending a helping hand. Through our own experience of anxiety, we become more understanding and sympathetic towards the struggles of others, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, anxiety during hardship can serve as a catalyst for personal reflection and self-improvement. It prompts us to evaluate our own actions and behaviors, seeking to rectify any shortcomings or weaknesses. This introspection allows us to grow spiritually and develop resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that anxiety during hardship completes the calamity, not in terms of intensifying the actual hardship, but rather in terms of the spiritual growth and development that can be achieved through the experience of anxiety. By channeling our anxiety towards seeking Allah's guidance, showing empathy towards others, and engaging in personal reflection, we can transform our hardships into opportunities for spiritual elevation and self-improvement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to navigate through the challenges of life with patience and faith.