Hadith #254

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) is a powerful statement that highlights his unwavering faith and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this impactful Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are

لاَ وَالَّذِي أَمْسَيْنَا مِنْهُ فِي غُبْرِ لَيْلَةٍ دَهْمَاءَ تَكْشِرُعَنْ يَوْمٍ أَغَرَّ مَا كَان كَذَاكَذا۔

The word "لاَ" is an oath, emphasizing the sincerity and certainty of Imam Ali's statement. "وَالَّذِي" refers to Allah, the One by Whom Imam Ali swears. "أَمْسَيْنَا" means "we passed" or "we experienced." "غُبْرِ لَيْلَةٍ دَهْمَاءَ" translates to "the dark night." "تَكْشِرُعَنْ" means

after which there was.

"يَوْمٍ أَغَرَّ" refers to "a bright day." "مَا كَان كَذَاكَذا۔" translates to

such and such did not happen.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Inshirah (94:5-6),

Indeed, with hardship, there is relief. Indeed, with hardship, there is relief.

This ayah reminds us that after every difficulty, there is ease. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is expressing his unwavering belief in this divine principle. He testifies that despite experiencing a dark and difficult night, there will always be a bright and better day that follows.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This ayah reassures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not place a burden upon us that is beyond our capacity to handle. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is affirming his trust in Allah's wisdom and mercy, acknowledging that whatever challenges they faced, they were able to overcome them with the help of Allah.

Imam Ali's statement also reflects his profound knowledge and understanding of the concept of divine decree (Qadr). In Surah Al-Hadid (57:22-23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah, is easy - in order that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acknowledges that everything happens according to Allah's decree and plan. He recognizes that even the darkest of nights are followed by days filled with light and blessings. This statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should remain patient and steadfast in the face of adversity, knowing that Allah's wisdom encompasses all things.

Imam Ali's unwavering faith and trust in Allah's plan is a source of inspiration for all Muslims. It teaches us to have patience and perseverance during challenging times, knowing that Allah's mercy and relief are always near. It also reminds us to reflect on the transient nature of this world and the eternal rewards that await us in the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of trust in Allah's plan and the certainty of relief after hardship. It is a testament to his deep knowledge and understanding of the Quranic teachings. As Muslims, we should strive to embody this unwavering faith and seek solace in the knowledge that Allah's wisdom encompasses all things. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to face challenges with patience and the wisdom to trust in His divine plan.