Hadith #1664

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

Whoever embarks upon [any action with] diligence, overpowers his opponent.

Let us delve into the meaning of this impactful saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (rakiba) "رَكِبَ" in Arabic means to embark upon or undertake a journey. It signifies the initiation of an action or endeavor. The word (jiddahu) "جِدَّهُ" refers to diligence, effort, or determination. It represents the level of commitment and seriousness one puts into their actions. Lastly, the word (qahara) "قَهَرَ" means to overpower, defeat, or subdue one's opponent.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of exerting effort and striving in the path of Allah. It assures us that those who embark upon their actions with diligence will be guided by Allah Himself.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse highlights the significance of perseverance and determination in achieving success. It assures us that those who put in the effort will be granted victory over their opponents.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to approach every action with diligence and determination. It teaches us that by doing so, we will not only overcome our opponents but also achieve success in our endeavors. This Hadith serves as a reminder that success is not solely dependent on luck or chance, but rather on the level of effort and commitment we invest.

For example, let us consider a student who approaches their studies with diligence and determination. They consistently attend classes, complete assignments on time, and seek additional knowledge outside the classroom. As a result of their efforts, they are able to excel in their exams and outperform their peers. This is a manifestation of the principle mentioned in the Hadith, where the student's diligence and commitment overpower the challenges they face.

Similarly, in the realm of spirituality, a believer who engages in regular acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, with sincerity and dedication, will experience a profound connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Their spiritual journey will be enriched, and they will find themselves overcoming the temptations and distractions of the world. This is a reflection of the Hadith, where their diligence in worship empowers them to overcome the spiritual challenges they encounter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of approaching every action with diligence and determination. It reminds us that success is not guaranteed solely by our intentions, but rather by the level of effort and commitment we invest. By embodying the spirit of this Hadith, we can overcome our opponents, achieve success in our endeavors, and ultimately attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and motivation to embark upon our actions with diligence and sincerity.