Hadith #10720

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

خَيْرُ النّاسِ مَنْ كانَ في عُسْرِهِ مُؤْثِراً صَبُوراً

which translates to,

The best person is one who is altruistic and patient in times of hardship.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of selflessness and patience during difficult times.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (khayr) "خَيْرُ" refers to the best or most excellent. (an-nas) "النّاسِ" refers to people or individuals. (man) "مَنْ" means the one who. (kana) "كانَ" means is or was. (fi) "في" means in. (usrihi) "عُسْرِهِ" refers to one's hardship or difficulty. (mu'thiran) "مُؤْثِراً" means someone who prioritizes others over themselves. (saburan) "صَبُوراً" means patient or steadfast.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155),

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.

This verse emphasizes that hardships are a part of life and that patience is a virtue that brings reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan (76:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.

This verse highlights the importance of altruism and selflessness, even in times of difficulty or scarcity. It encourages us to prioritize the needs of others over our own desires and comforts.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that the best among us are those who exhibit selflessness and patience during challenging times. It calls upon us to prioritize the well-being of others, even when we ourselves are facing hardships. This selflessness can manifest in various ways, such as offering support, providing assistance, or simply being there for someone in need.

For example, during times of financial difficulty, the best person is one who continues to give to the needy, despite their own limited resources. They understand that their generosity and compassion can make a significant impact on the lives of others, and they prioritize the well-being of those in need over their own comfort.

Similarly, in times of personal struggle or emotional turmoil, the best person is one who remains patient and steadfast. They do not allow their own hardships to overshadow their ability to empathize with others and offer support. Their patience becomes a source of strength and inspiration for those around them.

The consequences of embodying the qualities mentioned in this Hadith are profound. By being altruistic and patient during times of hardship, we not only fulfill our duty towards our fellow human beings but also earn the pleasure and reward of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our actions become a means of seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attaining spiritual growth.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His profound knowledge and wisdom allowed him to navigate through the most challenging situations with patience and selflessness. He prioritized the needs of others above his own, even in the face of immense hardship. His life serves as a shining example for all Muslims, inspiring us to strive for excellence in our own conduct.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of selflessness and patience in times of hardship. By prioritizing the needs of others and remaining steadfast, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also earn the pleasure and reward of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to embody these qualities in our lives and follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to be the best versions of ourselves.