Hadith #11008

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اَلاِغْتِرابُ أحَدُ الشِّتاتَيْنِ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Separation from one’s homeland is one of the two separations.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (al-ightrab) "اَلاِغْتِرابُ" refers to the act of leaving or being separated from one's homeland. It signifies the physical and emotional detachment from the place where one was born or has deep roots. The word (ahadu) "أحَدُ" means "one" or "one of." And the word (ash-shitatain) "الشِّتاتَيْنِ" refers to the two separations or divisions.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286: (2:286)

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse emphasizes that Allah does not place a burden on anyone that they cannot handle. It implies that separation from one's homeland, although challenging, is a test from Allah that can be endured.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (29:2)

Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried?

This verse reminds us that trials and tests are an integral part of our faith. Separation from one's homeland can be seen as a trial that tests our resilience, faith, and ability to adapt to new environments.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of this separation by stating that it is one of the two separations. This implies that there is another type of separation that is equally important. While the Hadith does not explicitly mention the second separation, we can infer that it refers to the separation from loved ones or the loss of companionship.

The separation from loved ones can take various forms, such as the loss of a family member, a friend, or a beloved companion. This separation brings about immense grief and sorrow. However, it is essential to remember that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the source of comfort and solace during such difficult times. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, Allah says: (2:153)

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

This verse reminds us that patience and prayer are the means through which we can find strength and solace in times of separation and loss.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that both separation from one's homeland and separation from loved ones are inevitable aspects of life. They test our faith, resilience, and ability to adapt. However, it is through these tests that we have the opportunity to grow spiritually and strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By relying on Allah's guidance, seeking solace in prayer, and practicing patience, we can navigate through these separations with grace and fortitude.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to endure the trials of separation and bless us with the ability to find solace in His remembrance. May we always remember that our ultimate home is with Him, and may He reunite us with our loved ones in the eternal abode of Paradise.