Hadith #6424

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he poses a rhetorical question, asking,

Where is the one who strived and struggled, and prepared and mobilized [all possible resources]?

This question is a call to action, urging Muslims to actively engage in striving and exerting effort in the path of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to be examined is (sa'a) "سَعَى", which means to strive or make an effort. This word encapsulates the idea of exerting oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually in the pursuit of a goal. It implies a continuous and determined effort, not just a one-time action. The Quran beautifully emphasizes the importance of striving in various verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:3),

Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and strive together for truth and patience.

This verse highlights the significance of striving in the path of truth and righteousness.

The second word is (ijtahada) "اجْتَهَدَ", which means to struggle or make a strenuous effort. It goes beyond mere striving and implies going above and beyond one's capabilities to achieve a desired outcome. The Quran encourages Muslims to exert themselves and strive for excellence in all aspects of life. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of making a sincere effort to treat others with justice and fairness, even in challenging circumstances.

The third word is (a'adda) "أعَدَّ", which means to prepare or make ready. It signifies the importance of being proactive and well-prepared in all endeavors. The Quran emphasizes the significance of preparation in several instances. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy.

This verse highlights the importance of preparing oneself for the defense of truth and justice, both physically and strategically.

The fourth word is (ihtashada) "احْتَشَدَ", which means to mobilize or gather all possible resources. It signifies the importance of utilizing all available means and resources to achieve a desired goal. The Quran encourages Muslims to make use of their resources and capabilities in the pursuit of righteousness. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of utilizing one's resources to support and assist others, even if it means sacrificing one's own comfort.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question in this Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to actively engage in striving, struggling, preparing, and mobilizing all possible resources in the path of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It calls upon us to be proactive, diligent, and determined in our pursuit of righteousness. By doing so, we can contribute to the betterment of ourselves, our communities, and society at large.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration from the examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and the righteous companions. They exemplified the qualities of striving, struggling, preparing, and mobilizing all possible resources in the path of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Their unwavering commitment and dedication to the cause of Islam serve as a timeless reminder for us to follow in their footsteps.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to actively engage in striving, struggling, preparing, and mobilizing all possible resources in the path of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It emphasizes the importance of continuous effort, going above and beyond one's capabilities, being well-prepared, and utilizing all available means to achieve righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength, determination, and wisdom to embody the teachings of this Hadith and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.