Hadith #1691

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الجزع هلاكٌ" which translates to

Anxiety is [a cause of] destruction.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental effects of anxiety on an individual's well-being and overall life.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran. Anxiety, or (al-jaz') "الجزع" in Arabic, refers to a state of unease, worry, and fear. It is a feeling that consumes a person's mind and can lead to various negative consequences. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), with his profound knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes that anxiety can be a cause of destruction. This destruction can manifest in different aspects of a person's life, including their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

The Quran provides us with guidance on how to deal with anxiety and its destructive effects. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286:

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

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and will not burden us with more than we can handle. Therefore, as Muslims, we should have faith in Allah's wisdom and trust that He will provide us with the strength to overcome our anxieties.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us:

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart.

This verse highlights the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) in maintaining our strength and resilience. When we let anxiety consume us, it weakens our resolve and hinders our ability to face challenges with confidence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to address their anxieties and not let them overpower their lives. Anxiety can lead to a multitude of negative consequences, such as impaired decision-making, strained relationships, and even physical ailments. It can hinder our ability to fulfill our responsibilities and live a fulfilling life.

To illustrate the destructive nature of anxiety, let us consider an example. Imagine a student who is preparing for an important exam. If they allow anxiety to consume them, their ability to concentrate and retain information will be greatly diminished. This can lead to poor performance in the exam and hinder their academic progress. On the other hand, if the student manages their anxiety through proper coping mechanisms, such as seeking support, practicing relaxation techniques, and relying on Allah's guidance, they will be better equipped to face the challenges and perform to the best of their abilities.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the destructive nature of anxiety. It urges us to seek ways to manage and overcome our anxieties, relying on the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we can maintain our well-being, strengthen our faith, and lead a more fulfilling life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to overcome anxiety and grant us peace and tranquility in all aspects of our lives.