Hadith #1662

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "قُرِنَ الإجْتِهادُ بِالوِجْدانِ۔" This can be translated as

Striving has been linked to achievement.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (ijtihad) "إجْتِهاد" in this Hadith refers to exerting one's utmost effort and striving towards a goal. It encompasses the idea of putting in dedicated and sincere effort to achieve success. The word (wijdan) "وِجْدانِ" refers to the innermost conscience, the deep sense of motivation and determination that drives a person to strive for excellence.

The Quranic verses beautifully emphasize the importance of striving and exerting effort in various aspects of life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the need for determination and perseverance in all our endeavors, seeking strength from Allah to achieve our goals.

Another verse that supports the concept of striving is found in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of righteous actions and mutual encouragement towards truth and patience, which require continuous effort and striving.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the inseparable connection between striving and achievement. It reminds us that success is not attained without putting in sincere effort and determination. When we strive with our innermost conscience, with a deep sense of motivation and dedication, we increase our chances of achieving our goals.

For example, if a student wants to excel academically, they must put in consistent effort, study diligently, and seek knowledge with a sincere intention. Without striving, they cannot expect to achieve high grades or gain deep understanding. Similarly, in any field of endeavor, whether it be personal, professional, or spiritual, success is directly proportional to the level of effort and dedication we invest.

The consequences of linking striving with achievement are profound. It instills a sense of responsibility and accountability within individuals. When we understand that our efforts are directly linked to the outcomes we desire, we become more conscious of our actions and strive to improve ourselves continuously. This Hadith encourages us to adopt a proactive mindset and take ownership of our lives, knowing that our achievements are a result of our own efforts.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of intention and sincerity in our striving. When we strive with a pure heart, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and aiming to benefit ourselves and others, our efforts become more meaningful and fruitful. It reminds us that true success lies not only in achieving our goals but also in the purity of our intentions and the positive impact we have on others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the concept of striving and its connection to achievement. It reminds us that success is not a mere coincidence but a result of sincere effort and dedication. By striving with our innermost conscience, we can attain our goals and fulfill our potential. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and motivation to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.