Hadith #8190

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,

بِقَدْرِ اللَّذَّةِ يَكُونُ التَّغْصيصُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

To the extent of pleasure, there is distress.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (ladhdhah) "لَّذَّةِ" refers to pleasure, delight, or enjoyment. It signifies a state of happiness or contentment. The word (taghsees) "تَّغْصيصُ" is derived from the root word (ghasasa) "غَصَصَ", which means to be distressed, to experience hardship, or to be in a state of discomfort.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Inshirah (94:5-6),

Verily, with hardship, there is relief. Verily, with hardship, there is relief.

This verse highlights the concept of balance in life. It teaches us that just as hardship and distress are inevitable, so too is relief and ease. The two are intertwined, and one cannot exist without the other.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Balad (90:4-6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

We have certainly created man into hardship. Does he think that never will anyone overcome him?

These verses remind us that the human experience is filled with challenges and difficulties. However, they also serve as a reminder that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has equipped us with the strength and resilience to overcome these hardships.

Now, let us reflect on the exegesis of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that pleasure and distress are interconnected. In this world, pleasure is not absolute, nor is distress everlasting. Rather, they coexist and complement each other. The experience of pleasure is often accompanied by the anticipation or fear of distress, and vice versa.

For example, let us consider the pleasure of eating a delicious meal. While indulging in the flavors and aromas brings us joy, we are also aware that overindulgence can lead to physical discomfort or illness. Similarly, the pleasure of acquiring wealth may bring temporary happiness, but it can also lead to anxiety, greed, and the fear of losing what has been gained.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us of the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the potential distress that can arise from them. This understanding helps us maintain balance and moderation in our pursuit of pleasure, preventing us from becoming consumed by it. It also serves as a reminder that distress and hardship are not permanent states, and they too shall pass.

Moreover, this Hadith teaches us to appreciate the blessings and pleasures we experience, while also being prepared for the challenges and difficulties that may arise. It encourages us to have gratitude for the moments of joy, knowing that they are not without their potential drawbacks. It also reminds us to have patience and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) during times of distress, knowing that relief and ease will eventually follow.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

To the extent of pleasure, there is distress

serves as a profound reminder of the interconnectedness of pleasure and distress in this world. It encourages us to maintain balance, moderation, and gratitude in our pursuit of pleasure, while also reminding us to have patience and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) during times of distress. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and resilience.