Hadith #3542

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) emphasizes the importance of not losing hope or becoming disheartened when our supplications are not immediately answered. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the granting of our supplications is based on our intentions, and sometimes the delay in the answer is actually a means of increasing the reward for the one who asks and the blessings for the one who receives.

Let us now delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The key words in this Hadith are (delayed answer to supplication) "تَأخِيرُ إجابَةِ الدُّعاءِ", (that which is granted) "العَطِيَّةَ", (intention) "النِّيَّةِ", (answer) "الإجابَةُ", (seeker) "السائِلِ", and (recipient) "النَّائِلِ".

The Quranic verses provide us with a deeper understanding of the concepts mentioned in the Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186):

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.

This verse assures us that Allah is always near and ready to respond to our supplications. However, the timing of the response is solely in His hands.

Another verse that sheds light on the delay in the answer to supplication is found in Surah Yunus (10:107):

And if Allah were to hasten for the people the evil [they invoke] as He hastens for them the good, their term would have been ended for them. But We leave the ones who do not expect the meeting with Us, in their transgression, wandering blindly.

This verse highlights the wisdom behind the delay in the answer to supplication. If Allah were to grant everything immediately, it may not be in the best interest of the supplicant. Sometimes, the delay serves as a means of testing our patience, increasing our reliance on Allah, and ultimately leading to a greater reward.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that the delay in the answer to supplication can result in a greater reward for the seeker and a more bountiful grant for the recipient. This is beautifully illustrated in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261):

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

When we patiently wait for the answer to our supplications, the reward we receive can be multiplied manifold by Allah's infinite mercy.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ghafir (40:60), Allah says:

And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you.' Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.

This verse reassures us that Allah is always ready to respond to our supplications. However, it is important to remember that the answer may not always come in the way or at the time we expect. We must trust in Allah's wisdom and have faith that He knows what is best for us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us not to lose hope or become disheartened when our supplications are not immediately answered. The delay in the answer is a test of our patience and a means of increasing our reward. We must have faith in Allah's timing and trust that He knows what is best for us. Just as the Quranic verses have assured us, Allah is always near and ready to respond to our supplications. May we always turn to Him with sincerity and trust in His infinite wisdom.