Hadith #5600

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully expresses the importance of two key virtues in a Muslim's life: patience and piety. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and their significance in light of the Quran.

The Arabic word used for patience in this Hadith is (sabr) "صَبْر", which refers to the ability to remain steadfast and composed in the face of trials and tribulations. It is not simply about enduring hardships, but also about maintaining a positive attitude and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) throughout the journey of life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of patience in numerous verses of the Quran.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:155-156)

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, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'

This verse highlights the reward and comfort that comes with patience during times of hardship.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) declares, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, Indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes that true success lies in faith, good deeds, and mutual encouragement towards truth and patience.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that piety is the provision for one's death. The Arabic word used for piety in this Hadith is (taqwa) "تَّقْوَى", which encompasses the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), consciousness of His presence, and striving to avoid anything that displeases Him. Taqwa is a comprehensive concept that encompasses all aspects of a Muslim's life.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions the importance of taqwa in various verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:13)

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (muttaqi) of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lies in righteousness and taqwa.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 3:102)

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the importance of living a life of taqwa and submitting to Him, so that we may die in a state of submission.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully combines the concepts of patience and piety in this Hadith. He highlights that a person who makes patience the conveyance of their life and piety the provision for their death is deserving of Allah's mercy. By practicing patience, we can navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience, while taqwa ensures that we remain conscious of our actions and strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate these virtues in their lives. By embodying patience and piety, we can attain Allah's mercy and blessings, both in this life and in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice patience and taqwa, and may He shower His mercy upon us.