Hadith #197

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 family, his noble companions, and all the righteous Muslims until the Day of Judgment.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أَغْضِ عَلَى الْقَذَى وَ الْأَلَمِ تَرْضَ أَبَداً۔

This can be translated as,

Ignore pain otherwise you will never be happy.

In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to overlook and disregard the pain and suffering we may experience in life. By doing so, we can attain everlasting contentment and happiness. To fully understand the depth and wisdom of this Hadith, let us delve into its exegesis in light of the Quran.

The word (aghdi) "أَغْضِ" in the Hadith refers to turning away or ignoring. It implies not allowing oneself to be consumed by pain or distress. The word (qadha) "قَذَى" refers to hardships, difficulties, or afflictions. And the word (alam) "أَلَمِ" refers to physical or emotional pain.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the transient nature of this worldly life and the trials that come with it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 155, Allah says,

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 highlights the inevitability of facing hardships in life. However, Allah reassures us that those who remain patient and steadfast will be rewarded.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to ignore pain is rooted in the Quranic concept of patience and endurance. Patience is not simply enduring pain, but rather it is the ability to maintain composure and tranquility in the face of adversity. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 153,

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking solace in patience and prayer during times of distress.

By ignoring pain, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is encouraging us to adopt a positive mindset and focus on the blessings and joys of life. This does not mean suppressing or denying our emotions, but rather not allowing them to consume us. It is about finding inner strength and resilience to overcome challenges and maintain a state of contentment.

In Surah Al-Inshirah, Ayah 5-6, Allah says,

Indeed, with hardship, there is relief. Indeed, with hardship, there is relief.

This verse reminds us that after every difficulty, there is ease. By ignoring pain and focusing on the bigger picture, we can find solace in the knowledge that relief will come, and our hardships will eventually be replaced with ease.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice holds great wisdom. When we allow pain to consume us, it becomes a barrier to happiness. By ignoring pain, we free ourselves from its shackles and open ourselves up to the possibility of true happiness and contentment. This does not mean that we should be indifferent to the suffering of others or neglect our responsibilities. Rather, it is a reminder to maintain a positive outlook and not let pain define our lives.

Let us reflect on the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. Despite facing numerous hardships and trials throughout his life, he remained steadfast and unwavering in his faith. His knowledge and understanding of the Quran enabled him to rise above pain and find solace in the eternal truth of Allah's guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of ignoring pain in order to attain lasting happiness. By adopting a positive mindset, maintaining patience, and seeking solace in the Quranic teachings, we can overcome the challenges of life and find contentment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to endure hardships with patience and guide us on the path of true happiness.