Hadith #5583

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of difficulties and challenges. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word (sabarta) "صَبَرْتَ" in the Hadith refers to patience, which is the ability to endure hardships and remain steadfast in faith. It is a quality highly praised in Islam and is exemplified by the Prophets and their righteous followers. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (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

This verse highlights the importance of patience during times of trials and tribulations.

The word (sabr al-ahraar) "صَبْرَ الأحْرارِ" in the Hadith refers to the patience of the freemen. This implies that true patience is not just about enduring hardships, but also about maintaining one's dignity, integrity, and freedom of thought and action. It is the patience of those who are free from the shackles of worldly desires and are solely focused on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This concept is beautifully expressed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 90:4-18)

And We have certainly created man to be in hardship. Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? He says, 'I have spent wealth in abundance.' Does he think that no one has seen him? Have We not made for him two eyes? And a tongue and two lips? And have shown him the two ways? But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave or feeding on a day of severe hunger an orphan of near relationship or a needy person in misery. And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. Those are the companions of the right

On the other hand, the phrase (salawta suluwwa al-aqmaar) "سَلَوْتَ سُلُوَّ الأغْمارِ" in the Hadith refers to seeking distraction or forgetting like the inept. This implies that those who lack patience and perseverance tend to seek temporary relief from their problems by indulging in worldly distractions. They are unable to face their challenges head-on and instead choose to escape reality. This behavior is contrary to the teachings of Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate the virtue of patience and perseverance in their lives. It encourages us to face challenges with dignity, integrity, and faith, rather than seeking temporary distractions or forgetting our responsibilities. By embodying the patience of the freemen, we can navigate through the trials of life while maintaining our spiritual and moral compass.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of difficulties. It urges us to emulate the patience of the freemen, who remain steadfast in their faith and integrity. By doing so, we can overcome challenges and strive towards the ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to embody this noble virtue in our lives.