Hadith #5336

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 noble companions.

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

كُنْ فِي السَّرّاءِ عَبْداً شَكُوراً، وَفِي الضَّرّاءِ عَبْداً صَبُوراً۔

This can be translated as,

Be a thankful servant in times of ease and a patient servant in times of adversity.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (shakooran) "شَكُوراً" in the Hadith refers to being grateful or thankful. It implies acknowledging and appreciating the blessings and favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is an essential quality that Muslims should cultivate in their hearts and manifest in their actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 14:7)

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

In times of ease and prosperity, it is easy to become complacent and forget the source of our blessings. However, as Muslims, we are reminded to be constantly grateful to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for His countless blessings. We should express our gratitude through acts of worship, such as prayer, charity, and remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By being grateful servants, we acknowledge that all blessings come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and we are dependent on Him alone.

On the other hand, the word (sabooran) "صَبُوراً" in the Hadith refers to patience. Patience is a virtue that is highly emphasized in Islam. It is the ability to remain steadfast and composed in the face of adversity, trials, and tribulations. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 2:45)

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]

In times of hardship, it is natural for humans to feel distressed, frustrated, or overwhelmed. However, as Muslims, we are encouraged to exercise patience and trust in Allah's wisdom and plan. Patience allows us to endure difficulties with a calm and composed demeanor, seeking solace and strength in our faith. It is through patience that we develop resilience, perseverance, and a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance reminds us of the importance of maintaining a balanced approach in our lives. We should be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us during times of ease and prosperity, and patient during times of adversity and hardship. This balance reflects our submission to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our trust in His divine plan.

By being grateful servants, we recognize that all blessings come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and we express our gratitude through acts of worship. This gratitude not only increases our blessings but also strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us of our dependence on Him and fosters humility in our hearts.

Similarly, by being patient servants, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's wisdom and plan. We understand that trials and tribulations are a part of life and that they serve a purpose in our spiritual growth. Patience allows us to navigate through difficult times with grace and resilience, knowing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always with us, guiding and supporting us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be grateful servants in times of ease and patient servants in times of adversity. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced approach in our lives, recognizing the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and trusting in His divine plan. By embodying these qualities, we can strive to become better Muslims and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be grateful and patient servants in all aspects of our lives.