Hadith #2060

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us not to become slaves to others when Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has granted us freedom. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true goodness and success can only be attained by overcoming evil, and ease can only be achieved through facing and overcoming difficulties.

Let us delve deeper into the important words and concepts mentioned in this Hadith. The word (slave) "عَبْدَ" refers to someone who is subservient to another, lacking freedom and independence. On the other hand, (free) "حُرّاً" signifies a state of liberty and autonomy. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the fact that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us the gift of freedom, both in a physical and spiritual sense.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then emphasizes the importance of overcoming evil in order to attain goodness. This concept is deeply rooted in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly encourages believers to strive against evil and injustice. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse reminds us that although overcoming evil may be challenging, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has equipped us with the strength and resilience to overcome any difficulty.

Furthermore, the Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that ease can only be acquired through difficulty. This notion is beautifully expressed in the Quran in Surah Al-Inshirah, verses 5-6, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, with hardship, there is ease. Indeed, with hardship, there is ease.

These verses remind us that every difficulty we face is accompanied by relief and ease from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through the trials and tribulations of life that we learn and grow, and ultimately find solace and tranquility.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound advice serves as a reminder for all Muslims. We should not allow ourselves to be enslaved by the opinions, desires, or expectations of others. Instead, we should embrace the freedom granted to us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to overcome evil in our pursuit of goodness. We should also remember that ease and comfort can only be attained through facing and overcoming difficulties.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration from the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. Known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) faced numerous challenges and hardships throughout his life. From the battles he fought to protect the Islamic faith, to the political struggles he endured, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified the principles mentioned in this Hadith. He remained steadfast in his pursuit of goodness and justice, even in the face of immense difficulties.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and apply the lessons from this Hadith in our own lives. We should never compromise our freedom and independence, and we should always strive to overcome evil with goodness. We should also remember that the path to ease and comfort may be paved with hardships, but it is through these trials that we grow stronger and closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to follow the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and overcome the challenges we face in our lives. May He grant us the ability to achieve goodness and ease through our perseverance and reliance on Him. And may He bless us all with His mercy and guidance.