Hadith #5643

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:

مَنِ اسْتَوْطَأَ مَرْكَبَ الصَّبْرِ ظَفِرَ۔

This is translated as:

One who sets foot upon the vessel of patience gains victory.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. The word (mani) "مَنِ" means "one who" or "whoever." (istawta'a) "استَوْطَأَ" means "sets foot upon" or "boards." (markab) "مَرْكَبَ" refers to a "vessel" or "ship." And (as-sabr) "الصَّبْرِ" means "patience." Finally, (zafira) "ظَفِرَ" means "gains victory."

The concept of patience is emphasized throughout the Quran, and it is considered a virtue that leads to success and victory. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153):

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

Patience is not merely about enduring difficulties, but it is also about maintaining steadfastness and perseverance in the face of challenges. It is about having trust in Allah's plan and relying on His guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:200):

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that one who embarks upon the vessel of patience will inevitably achieve victory. This means that by embracing patience, one gains the strength and resilience to overcome challenges and emerge triumphant.

When we face trials and tribulations, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. However, by practicing patience, we can transform these difficulties into opportunities for growth and self-improvement. Patience allows us to maintain composure, make wise decisions, and persevere in the face of adversity.

For example, Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) demonstrated immense patience when he was thrown into a well by his brothers and later faced false accusations. Despite these hardships, he remained steadfast in his faith and eventually rose to a position of power and honor.

Similarly, the story of Prophet Job (Ayub) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplifies the power of patience. He endured severe afflictions, including the loss of his wealth, health, and family. Yet, he remained patient and steadfast in his belief in Allah's mercy. In the end, Allah restored his blessings and granted him even greater prosperity.

By reflecting on these examples and the teachings of the Quran, we understand that patience is not a passive state of resignation, but an active and transformative virtue. It empowers us to navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience, knowing that victory awaits those who persevere.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of patience in attaining victory. By boarding the vessel of patience, we equip ourselves with the necessary tools to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Let us strive to cultivate patience in our lives, drawing inspiration from the examples of the Prophets and the teachings of the Quran. May Allah grant us the strength to embrace patience and may He bless us with victory in this world and the Hereafter.