Hadith #4

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Incapability is a catastrophe; endurance is bravery; abstinence is riches; self-restraint is a shield (against sin); and the best companion is submission (to Allah's will).

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of certain virtues and qualities that a Muslim should strive to embody in their lives.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words mentioned in this Hadith. "Al-'ajz" refers to incapability or weakness, which can be both physical and spiritual. "As-sabr" means endurance or patience, which is the ability to remain steadfast in the face of difficulties and trials. "Az-zuhd" signifies abstinence or detachment from worldly desires and possessions. "Al-war'a" refers to self-restraint or cautiousness, which involves refraining from sinful acts and guarding oneself against evil. And finally, "ar-rida" means submission or contentment with the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of these qualities, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155),

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of patience and endurance in times of hardship. It is through patience that we can navigate through the trials of life and emerge stronger in our faith.

In Surah At-Tawbah (9:111), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Quran. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.

This verse highlights the concept of detachment from worldly possessions and the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Allah. It emphasizes the virtue of zuhd, reminding us that true richness lies in our devotion to Allah and our willingness to give up worldly attachments.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:201), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and wara'. It teaches us that by being cautious and mindful of our actions, we can protect ourselves from the whispers of Satan and avoid falling into sin.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:45), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].

This verse highlights the significance of submission to the will of Allah. It reminds us that true companionship and support can be found in our complete surrender to Allah's guidance and decrees.

Reflecting on the thought-provoking words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see the motivations and consequences of embodying these qualities. Incapability, whether physical or spiritual, can be a catastrophe as it hinders our progress and prevents us from fulfilling our potential as Muslims. On the other hand, endurance and patience in the face of difficulties are acts of bravery, as they require strength and resilience.

Abstinence from worldly desires and possessions leads to true richness, as it frees us from the shackles of materialism and allows us to focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter. Self-restraint and cautiousness act as shields, protecting us from the harms of sin and guiding us towards righteousness. And finally, the best companion we can have is submission to the will of Allah, as it brings us closer to Him and grants us peace and contentment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to cultivate these virtues in their lives. By embodying endurance, abstinence, self-restraint, and submission, we can navigate through the challenges of life, attain spiritual richness, and find solace in the companionship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to embody these qualities and may He bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.