Hadith #408

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,

مَنْ عَظَّمَ صِغَارَ الْمَصَائِبِ ابْتَلاَهُ اللهُ بِكِبَارِهَا۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of our perception and reaction to the difficulties and challenges we face in life.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (a'zama) "عَظَّمَ" means to regard or consider something as great or significant. (sighar) "صِغَارَ" refers to small or minor distresses, while (al-masa'ib) "الْمَصَائِبِ" means hardships or calamities. (ibtalah) "ابْتَلاَهُ" means to test or put someone through a trial, and (bi-kibarihā) "بِكِبَارِهَا" means with greater ones.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, 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 is aware of our capabilities and does not test us beyond our capacity. Therefore, when we regard small distresses as significant, we may invite greater challenges upon ourselves as a test from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Inshirah (94:5-6), Allah says,

Indeed, with hardship, there is ease. Indeed, with hardship, there is ease.

This verse reassures us that after every difficulty, there is relief and ease. However, if we magnify small distresses and fail to recognize the blessings and ease that follow, we may find ourselves engulfed in greater hardships.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for us to maintain a balanced perspective in the face of challenges. By regarding minor distresses as significant, we may unintentionally attract more significant trials from Allah. This is because our perception and reaction to difficulties can shape our character and determine the lessons we need to learn.

For example, if we encounter a minor inconvenience, such as a flat tire, and we react with frustration, anger, and despair, we may unknowingly invite more significant challenges into our lives. However, if we approach the situation with patience, trust in Allah, and gratitude for the blessings we still have, we may find that the difficulty is resolved smoothly and without further complications.

Moreover, by regarding small distresses as big, we risk losing sight of the countless blessings and ease that surround us. We may become consumed by negativity and fail to appreciate the goodness in our lives. This mindset can lead to a cycle of discontentment, as we constantly seek bigger and more significant challenges to validate our perception.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective in the face of difficulties. By regarding small distresses as significant, we may unknowingly invite greater challenges from Allah. It is crucial for us as Muslims to recognize the blessings and ease that follow every hardship, and to approach challenges with patience, trust in Allah, and gratitude. May Allah grant us the wisdom to navigate through life's trials and tribulations with grace and resilience.