Hadith #8568

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

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

The successful one is he who [either] spreads his wings or remains peaceful and enjoys ease.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "muflih" in Arabic refers to someone who attains success, prosperity, and happiness. It is derived from the root word "falaha," which means to prosper or to be successful. This term encompasses both worldly and spiritual success. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that there are two paths to success, and one can choose either of them.

The phrase "spreads his wings" signifies taking action, exerting effort, and striving in the path of righteousness. It implies actively engaging in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and striving to improve oneself. This can be seen in various verses of the Quran, such as in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and actively pursuing good deeds to attain success.

On the other hand, the phrase

remains peaceful and enjoys ease

highlights the significance of inner peace and contentment. It suggests that success can also be achieved by maintaining a state of tranquility and serenity, especially in times of trials and tribulations. This can be understood from verses like Surah Al-Rad (13:28), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured.

This reminds us that finding peace and solace in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is a path to success.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that success can be attained through both active engagement and inner peace. It is not limited to one particular approach but rather encompasses a holistic understanding of success. By spreading our wings and taking action, we strive to fulfill our responsibilities and obligations as Muslims. We engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and work towards improving ourselves and society.

At the same time, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of finding inner peace and tranquility. In the face of challenges and hardships, we should remain patient, trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) plan, and seek solace in His remembrance. This inner peace allows us to navigate through difficulties with grace and resilience.

The consequences of following the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith are profound. By spreading our wings and taking action, we not only attain success in this world but also earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the reward of the Hereafter. Similarly, by remaining peaceful and enjoying ease, we cultivate a sense of contentment and tranquility that brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and grants us inner peace.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of balance in our lives as Muslims. We should strive to actively engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and work towards improving ourselves and society. Simultaneously, we should cultivate inner peace, trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) plan, and find solace in His remembrance. By following both paths, we can attain success in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to spread our wings and remain peaceful, and may He bless us with true success in this life and the Hereafter.