Hadith #3956

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

إمْشِ بِدائِكَ (بِدَأبِكَ) ما مَشى بِكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Walk with your ailment as long as you can.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (imsh) "إمْشِ" in Arabic means to walk or move forward. It implies taking action and not being stagnant or idle. The word (bidā'ika) "بِدائِكَ" refers to one's ailment or affliction. It encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual difficulties that one may face in life. The phrase (mā mashā bika) "ما مَشى بِكَ" can be translated as

as long as you can

or

as far as you are able.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to persevere and continue moving forward despite the challenges and hardships we may encounter. It reminds us that we should not allow our ailments or difficulties to hinder our progress in life. Instead, we should face them head-on and continue to strive towards our goals and aspirations.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of perseverance and patience in the face of adversity. 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 reminds us that trials and tribulations are a part of life, and it is through patience and perseverance that we can overcome them. By walking with our ailments, we demonstrate our resilience and trust in Allah's plan for us.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Inshirah (94:5-6), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the concept of balance in life. It assures us that for every difficulty we face, there will be relief and ease. By walking with our ailments, we acknowledge that there is a purpose behind our struggles and that they will ultimately lead to growth and improvement.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight and significance.

By walking with our ailments, we learn valuable lessons about ourselves, our strengths, and our weaknesses. We gain insight into our own resilience and capacity for growth. These experiences shape us into better individuals and enable us to empathize with and support others who may be facing similar challenges.

Moreover, walking with our ailments allows us to develop a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is during times of difficulty that we often turn to Him in sincere supplication and seek His guidance and support. This strengthens our faith and reliance on Him, as we recognize that He is the ultimate source of comfort and relief.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Walk with your ailment as long as you can

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to persevere in the face of adversity. It encourages us to take action and continue moving forward, despite the challenges we may encounter. By doing so, we not only develop resilience and strength but also deepen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and gain valuable insights into ourselves and the world around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to walk with our ailments and find solace in His infinite wisdom and mercy.