Hadith #1833

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

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

Struggling [in the way of Allah] is the pillar of faith and the path of the felicitous.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word "jihad" in Arabic comes from the root word "jahada," which means to strive or struggle. It encompasses various forms of struggle, including the struggle against one's own desires and temptations, as well as the struggle to establish justice and righteousness in society. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of jihad as the pillar of faith.

The term "pillar" signifies the foundational support upon which something stands. In the context of faith, jihad serves as the pillar that upholds and strengthens one's belief in Allah and His teachings. It is through the act of struggling in the way of Allah that a Muslim demonstrates their commitment to their faith and their willingness to sacrifice for the sake of pleasing Allah.

The Hadith further describes jihad as the

path of the felicitous.

The word "sa'da" refers to those who are fortunate, successful, and blessed. By engaging in jihad, Muslims embark on a path that leads to true felicity and success in this life and the hereafter. It is through their efforts in striving for righteousness and justice that they attain nearness to Allah and experience the inner peace and contentment that comes with living a life in accordance with His guidance.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:78),

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving in the way of Allah and assures the believers that Allah has chosen them for this noble task. It also highlights that the religion of Islam is not burdensome, but rather a path that is accessible and attainable for all.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages Muslims to spend their wealth and resources in the cause of Allah, while also cautioning against recklessness and wastefulness. It emphasizes the importance of balancing one's efforts and resources in a manner that is pleasing to Allah.

Furthermore, Surah Al-Anfal (8:60) states,

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.

This verse highlights the need for Muslims to be prepared and equipped for self-defense and to establish justice. It also reassures them that whatever they spend in the cause of Allah will be rewarded abundantly.

Reflecting on the exegesis of this Hadith, we understand that struggling in the way of Allah is not limited to physical combat or warfare. It encompasses all efforts made to uphold justice, promote goodness, and combat evil in every aspect of life. It includes acts of charity, seeking knowledge, spreading peace, and standing up against oppression and injustice. By engaging in jihad, Muslims demonstrate their unwavering commitment to their faith and their dedication to the betterment of society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the pivotal role that jihad plays in our faith. It is through our struggles and sacrifices that we strengthen our connection with Allah and strive towards achieving true felicity. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to engage in jihad in all its forms and may He bless us with success in this life and the hereafter.