Hadith #8614

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لاتُغْلِقْ باباً يُعْجِزُكَ اِفْتِتاحُهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Do not close a door which you are unable to open.

This impactful saying holds deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (bab) "باباً" refers to a door or an opportunity. It symbolizes the various possibilities and chances that come our way in life. The word (yu'jizuka) "يُعْجِزُكَ" means to overpower or defeat someone. It signifies the inability to overcome a challenge or obstacle. And finally, the word (iftitahu) "اِفْتِتاحُهُ" means to open or initiate something. It represents the act of taking advantage of an opportunity or starting a new venture.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and strength in every aspect of our lives. It reminds us to approach opportunities and challenges with confidence and reliance on Allah's support.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reassures us that Allah does not place challenges or opportunities in our path that are beyond our capabilities. It reminds us that we have the strength and potential to overcome any obstacle or seize any opportunity that comes our way.

Now, let us reflect on the significance of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. This Hadith advises us not to close doors or opportunities that we feel are too difficult or impossible to handle. It encourages us to have faith in our abilities and trust in Allah's support. By keeping the door open, we leave room for growth, learning, and progress.

Closing a door prematurely can have several consequences. Firstly, it limits our potential and restricts our growth. We may miss out on valuable experiences, knowledge, and opportunities for personal development. Secondly, it can lead to regret and a sense of missed chances. We may look back and wonder what could have been if we had taken a leap of faith and pursued the unknown. Lastly, closing a door can also hinder the progress of others. Our actions and decisions have an impact not only on ourselves but also on those around us. By closing a door, we may unintentionally prevent others from benefiting or succeeding.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to embrace challenges and opportunities with courage and determination. It encourages us to trust in Allah's plan and believe in our own capabilities. By keeping doors open, we allow ourselves to explore new horizons, learn from our experiences, and contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of not closing doors or opportunities that we perceive as difficult or impossible. It reminds us to have faith in our abilities and trust in Allah's support. By keeping doors open, we open ourselves up to growth, learning, and progress. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and courage to embrace the opportunities that come our way and to overcome the challenges we face.