Hadith #9415

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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, "سَبَبُ الهِياجِ اَللَّجاجُ۔" This can be translated as,

Stubbornness is the cause of turmoil [and war].

In order to understand the essence behind this statement, let us delve into the important words and concepts within it.

The word (hiyaj) "هِياجِ" refers to turmoil, chaos, or disorder. It signifies a state of confusion and unrest, where harmony and tranquility are disrupted. On the other hand, (al-lajaj) "اللَّجاجُ" refers to stubbornness or obstinacy. It represents a mindset that is unwilling to yield or compromise, often leading to conflicts and disputes.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the destructive consequences of stubbornness in several verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:206), Allah says,

But when he turns away [from you], [O Muhammad], his effort in the land is to cause corruption therein and to destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption.

This verse emphasizes that when individuals persist in their stubbornness, they not only harm themselves but also cause corruption and destruction in society. Their refusal to seek common ground and find peaceful resolutions leads to chaos and upheaval. This aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, highlighting the direct link between stubbornness and turmoil.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah reminds us,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding disputes and disagreements that can weaken our unity and resolve. It encourages us to be patient and steadfast in the face of challenges, rather than allowing stubbornness to erode our strength.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own attitudes and behaviors. It urges us to examine our own tendencies towards stubbornness and to recognize the negative consequences that arise from it. By doing so, we can strive to cultivate a spirit of flexibility, open-mindedness, and willingness to compromise for the greater good.

When individuals exhibit stubbornness, it often leads to conflicts and divisions within families, communities, and even nations. It hampers progress, stifles dialogue, and impedes the growth of society. Conversely, when we embrace humility, empathy, and a willingness to listen to others, we create an environment that fosters unity, understanding, and peace.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His words in this Hadith highlight the importance of adopting a mindset of flexibility and compromise in order to avoid the destructive consequences of stubbornness. By doing so, we can contribute to the establishment of a harmonious and just society, in line with the teachings of the Quran and the noble example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to embody the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt, and may He grant us the wisdom to recognize the dangers of stubbornness and the strength to overcome it.