Hadith #4862

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and immaculate progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

عَلَيْكَ بِالسَّعِي ولَيْسَ عَلَيْكَ بِالنُّجْحِ۔

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of striving and putting in effort, while recognizing that success ultimately lies in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (sa'i) "سَعِي" refers to exerting effort, striving, and working diligently towards a goal. It encompasses both physical and spiritual efforts, as well as intellectual pursuits. The word (nujh) "نُجْح" means success or achievement. It signifies the attainment of one's desired outcome or goal.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of striving and putting in effort. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 19, Allah says,

And whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while he is a believer - it is those whose effort is ever appreciated [by Allah].

This verse highlights the importance of striving for the Hereafter and the recognition of the efforts made by believers.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Muddathir, verse 20, Allah instructs the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), saying,

And your duty is only to convey [the message], while it is upon Us to call [people] to account.

This verse reminds us that our responsibility is to make efforts in conveying the message of Islam, while the ultimate outcome and success of our efforts lie solely in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that we should not be disheartened if we do not achieve immediate success or see the desired results of our efforts. Our responsibility is to strive and put in our best efforts, leaving the outcome to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This Hadith encourages us to focus on the process rather than the outcome, understanding that true success lies in the sincerity and dedication we put into our endeavors.

For example, if a person is striving to improve their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, and charity, they may face challenges and setbacks along the way. However, the essence of this Hadith reminds us that as long as we continue to make sincere efforts and strive to improve ourselves, we are fulfilling our duty. The ultimate success and acceptance of our efforts lie in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a source of comfort and motivation for Muslims who may feel discouraged or overwhelmed by the challenges they face in their personal or professional lives. It reminds us that success is not solely determined by the outcome, but rather by the sincerity and effort we put into our endeavors. As long as we strive and put in our best efforts, we have fulfilled our responsibility, regardless of the outcome.

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

عَلَيْكَ بِالسَّعِي ولَيْسَ عَلَيْكَ بِالنُّجْحِ۔

emphasizes the importance of striving and putting in effort, while recognizing that the ultimate success and outcome lie in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encourages Muslims to focus on the process rather than the outcome, understanding that true success lies in the sincerity and dedication we put into our endeavors. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to strive in all aspects of our lives and bless our efforts with success.