Hadith #1663

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,

Man da'ufa jidduhu qawiya didduhu.

This Hadith carries a impactful message about the importance of diligence and its impact on one's opponents. Let us delve deeper into the words and meanings of this Hadith in the light of the Quran.

The word "da'ufa" refers to weakness or a decline in strength. It signifies a decrease in one's efforts, determination, or commitment. On the other hand, "jidd" means diligence, which encompasses the qualities of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. The word "qawiya" denotes strength, while "didduhu" refers to the opponent or the one who stands against someone.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of diligence and steadfastness in various verses. In Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah says,

O you who have believed, be patient and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse highlights the need for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and actions, even in the face of challenges and opposition.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), where Allah says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse encourages Muslims to maintain fairness and justice even when dealing with those who may not share their beliefs or values. It requires a diligent effort to uphold justice and righteousness in all circumstances.

Now, let us reflect on the meaning of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that when one's diligence weakens, their opponent becomes stronger. This statement holds true in various aspects of life. For instance, in the realm of knowledge, if a person becomes complacent and stops seeking knowledge, their opponent, who continues to learn and grow, will surpass them. Similarly, in matters of faith, if one's dedication and commitment to worship and righteous deeds wane, their spiritual opponent gains an advantage.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to remain diligent and steadfast in all aspects of their lives. It urges us to continuously strive for improvement, both in our worldly pursuits and our spiritual journey. By maintaining a strong sense of diligence, we can overcome challenges, grow in knowledge and faith, and ultimately achieve success in this life and the Hereafter.

The consequences of neglecting diligence can be far-reaching. If we allow our determination to weaken, our opponents, whether they be physical, intellectual, or spiritual, will gain an advantage over us. They will exploit our weaknesses and hinder our progress. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to constantly evaluate their level of diligence and take proactive steps to strengthen it.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of diligence and its impact on our opponents. By remaining steadfast and dedicated in our pursuits, we can overcome challenges and achieve success. Let us strive to emulate the qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his immense knowledge and unwavering commitment to Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and determination to be diligent in all aspects of our lives.