Hadith #3042

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who cannot patiently bear the agony of abstinence [from food], his sickness will be prolonged.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of patience and self-control, particularly in the context of abstaining from food. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (sabr) "صَبْر", which translates to patience. Patience is a fundamental virtue in Islam, and it is mentioned numerous times in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to be patient in the face of adversity, trials, and temptations. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:155)

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

The Hadith further emphasizes the agony of abstinence, highlighting the difficulty one may face when refraining from indulging in desires, particularly in the context of food. This agony can be physical, as the body craves nourishment, but it can also be psychological, as one's desires and impulses may tempt them to break their fast or engage in prohibited actions. However, the Hadith warns that if one cannot bear this agony patiently, their sickness will be prolonged.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah states, (Quran 2:153)

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

This verse reminds us that patience is not only a means to endure hardships but also a source of strength and support. By practicing patience, we seek Allah's assistance and find solace in His presence.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that patience is not limited to enduring physical hunger during fasting. It encompasses all aspects of our lives, including controlling our desires, refraining from sinful actions, and persevering through difficulties. When we exercise patience, we develop self-discipline, strengthen our faith, and cultivate a sense of resilience.

Moreover, the Hadith highlights the consequences of impatience and lack of self-control. If one succumbs to their desires and fails to exercise patience, their sickness will be prolonged. This can be understood in both a literal and metaphorical sense. On a physical level, indulging in unhealthy eating habits or breaking the rules of fasting can lead to various health issues and prolonged sickness. Metaphorically, it signifies the spiritual and emotional sickness that arises from giving in to our base desires and neglecting self-restraint.

By reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of patience and self-control in all aspects of their lives. Whether it is refraining from food during fasting, resisting temptations, or enduring hardships, patience is the key to spiritual growth and well-being. It is through patience that we develop resilience, strengthen our character, and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the significance of patience and self-control. It urges Muslims to bear the agony of abstinence patiently, emphasizing the consequences of impatience and lack of self-restraint. By practicing patience in all aspects of our lives, we strive to attain spiritual growth, strengthen our character, and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the strength to exercise patience and bless us with His mercy and guidance.