Hadith #1665

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,

مَنْ أعْمَلَ اجْتِهادَهُ بَلَغَ مُرادَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who employs diligence arrives at his goal.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of putting in effort and striving towards achieving one's objectives.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The term (amala) "أعْمَلَ" refers to engaging in action or performing a deed. It emphasizes the need for active participation and effort. (ijtihada) "اجْتِهادَهُ" comes from the root word (jahada) "جَهَدَ", which means to strive or exert oneself. It implies going beyond one's comfort zone and putting in one's utmost effort. (balagha) "بَلَغَ" means to reach or attain. It signifies the successful accomplishment of one's goal. And finally, (muradahu) "مُرادَهُ" refers to one's desired objective or intention.

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-Asr (103:3), Allah says,

Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and encourage each other to truth and encourage each other to patience.

This verse highlights the significance of actively engaging in good deeds and encouraging others towards righteousness.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah states,

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

This verse reassures us that Allah does not expect us to achieve the impossible, but rather, He encourages us to strive to the best of our abilities. It reminds us that through our sincere efforts, we can overcome challenges and reach our goals.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that success and achievement require more than just wishful thinking. It requires active participation, dedication, and perseverance. By employing diligence and putting in our best efforts, we can reach our desired objectives.

For example, if someone aspires to excel in their studies, they must not simply hope for good grades but must actively engage in studying, seeking knowledge, and putting in the necessary effort. Similarly, if someone desires to improve their character and attain spiritual growth, they must actively strive to purify their hearts, engage in acts of worship, and seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The consequences of employing diligence are manifold. Not only does it increase our chances of achieving our goals, but it also strengthens our character, builds resilience, and deepens our connection with Allah. Through our efforts, we develop a sense of self-discipline, determination, and perseverance, which are essential qualities for success in both this world and the hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His words serve as a guiding light for Muslims, inspiring us to actively engage in our pursuits and strive for excellence. By employing diligence, we can overcome obstacles, achieve our goals, and ultimately attain success in this life and the next.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to employ diligence in all aspects of our lives and bless us with success in our endeavors.