Hadith #7999

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

إيثارُ الدَّعَةِ يَقْطَعُ أسْبابَ المَنْفَعَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

Preferring comfort [over hard work] cuts off the means of profit [and benefit].

Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained within this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (i'thar) "إيثارُ" in the Hadith refers to the act of giving preference or priority to something over another. It signifies choosing one option over another, particularly when it comes to matters of effort and comfort. The word (da'ah) "الدَّعَةِ" refers to comfort, ease, or relaxation. It represents the desire for a life free from hardship and exertion. On the other hand, the phrase (asbab al-manfa'ah) "أسْبابَ المَنْفَعَةِ" refers to the means or avenues of benefit and profit.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of striving and exerting effort in various aspects of life. In Surah Al-Insan (76:3), Allah says,

Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.

This verse highlights the importance of guidance and the choice that individuals have to accept or reject it. It implies that the path to success requires effort and gratitude.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Balad (90:4), Allah says,

We have certainly created man into hardship.

This verse acknowledges the inherent challenges and difficulties that human beings face in life. It reminds us that hardship is an integral part of our existence, and it is through perseverance and effort that we can overcome these challenges and attain success.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the inclination towards comfort and ease, as it can hinder our progress and cut off the means of benefit and profit. When we prioritize comfort over hard work, we limit our potential for growth and development. This can be seen in various aspects of life, such as education, career, relationships, and spirituality.

For instance, in the pursuit of knowledge, if we choose to prioritize comfort and avoid the challenges of studying and acquiring new skills, we limit our intellectual growth and miss out on the opportunities for personal and societal benefit. Similarly, in our careers, if we shy away from taking on challenging tasks or seeking new opportunities for growth, we may stagnate professionally and miss out on the potential for advancement and success.

In the realm of spirituality, if we prioritize comfort and avoid the struggles and sacrifices required for self-discipline and self-improvement, we may find ourselves disconnected from the spiritual path and deprived of the blessings and benefits that come with it. The journey towards closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) requires effort, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones.

The consequences of prioritizing comfort over hard work can be seen not only on an individual level but also on a societal level. Societies that prioritize comfort and instant gratification often face stagnation and decline. On the other hand, societies that value hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence tend to thrive and progress.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of balance in our lives. While seeking comfort and relaxation is natural and necessary, we must not allow it to hinder our growth and progress. We should strive to strike a balance between our desire for comfort and our commitment to hard work and effort. By doing so, we can maximize our potential, benefit others, and ultimately attain success in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize effort and perseverance over comfort and guide us on the path of success. Ameen.