Hadith #2589

Praise be to Allah, the Most High, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

عِنْدَ الشَّدائِدِ تَذْهَبُ الأَحْقادُ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as:

In times of difficulty, feelings of malice disappear.

Let us now delve into the deeper meanings of this thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (shada'id) "شَّدَائِدِ" in the Hadith refers to times of hardship, adversity, or difficulty. These are the moments when individuals face challenges, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Such times can test the strength and character of a person, as they often bring about feelings of distress, anxiety, and fear.

The word (ahqad) "أَحْقَادُ" in the Hadith refers to feelings of malice, animosity, or ill-will towards others. These are negative emotions that can arise within individuals, often fueled by envy, jealousy, or resentment. These feelings can poison relationships, lead to conflicts, and hinder personal growth.

In light of the Quran, we find several verses that support the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. 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 during times of difficulty, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not place a burden on us that we cannot handle. It is through these trials that we are tested and given the opportunity to grow spiritually and emotionally.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart...

This verse highlights the importance of unity and avoiding disputes during times of difficulty. When Muslims come together, setting aside their differences and animosities, they become stronger and more resilient in the face of challenges.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the transformative power of hardship. In times of difficulty, when individuals are faced with the reality of their own vulnerability and limitations, their focus shifts from harboring ill feelings towards others to seeking solace and support. The shared experience of adversity brings people closer together, fostering empathy, compassion, and a sense of unity among Muslims.

For example, during the Battle of Uhud, when the Muslims faced a great setback and Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was injured, the companions rallied together, putting aside any personal grievances or animosities, to defend their faith and support one another. The difficulties they faced in that moment brought about a sense of unity and brotherhood that transcended any previous disputes or disagreements.

In times of difficulty, Muslims are reminded of their dependence on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the importance of turning to Him in prayer and supplication. The Quran teaches us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the All-Knowing and All-Wise, and He has the power to alleviate our hardships and guide us through them. By seeking His help and guidance, Muslims can find solace and strength, and their feelings of malice towards others naturally dissipate.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the transformative power of hardship. In times of difficulty, when faced with challenges and adversity, Muslims have the opportunity to rise above their negative emotions and come together in unity and support. By turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His guidance, they can find strength, solace, and a renewed sense of purpose. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to navigate through difficult times with grace and compassion, and may He remove any feelings of malice from our hearts.