Hadith #5539

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) emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in our actions. It states,

Be patient with the action which will surely bring you reward and refrain from the action the punishment for which you will not be able to bear.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the key words of the Hadith. The word (sabr) "صبر" translates to patience, perseverance, and endurance. It is a quality highly regarded in Islam and is often associated with the concept of steadfastness in the face of trials and tribulations.

The Hadith mentions two types of actions: those that will bring reward and those that will bring punishment. The word (amal) "عمل" refers to any action or deed that a person undertakes, whether it be physical, verbal, or even a thought. It encompasses all aspects of human behavior.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to be patient with the actions that will surely bring them reward. This implies that there are certain actions that may require patience and perseverance in order to attain their full benefits and rewards. These actions could include acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, giving charity, and performing Hajj, as well as acts of kindness, honesty, and righteousness. By being patient and steadfast in these actions, Muslims can reap the abundant rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Hadith also advises Muslims to refrain from actions that will bring punishment, for which they will not be able to bear the consequences. This implies that there are certain actions that can lead to severe consequences and punishments, both in this world and in the Hereafter. These actions could include sins such as lying, backbiting, cheating, stealing, and engaging in forbidden relationships. By refraining from these actions, Muslims can protect themselves from the harmful consequences that they may not be able to endure.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse highlights the importance of patience in times of hardship and adversity. It reminds Muslims that they will be tested in various ways, but those who remain patient will be rewarded.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 verse emphasizes the significance of righteous actions and mutual encouragement towards truth and patience.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that patience is a virtue that is rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through patience and perseverance that Muslims can attain the rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and protect themselves from the severe consequences of sinful actions. By practicing patience in our worship, interactions, and daily lives, we can strive to become better Muslims and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain success in this world and the Hereafter.