Hadith #1791

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 pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

جُدْ تَسُدْ، وَاصْبِرْ تَظْفُرْ۔

This can be translated as,

Be generous and you will gain authority; be patient and you will be triumphant.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (jud) "جُدْ" in this Hadith refers to generosity. It encompasses acts of kindness, giving, and selflessness. Generosity is a quality highly praised in Islam, as it reflects the essence of selflessness and compassion. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (76:8-9)

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

By being generous, Muslims not only fulfill their duty towards their fellow human beings but also gain authority and respect. When we give without expecting anything in return, we establish a sense of trust and goodwill within our communities. This leads to a position of influence and authority, where people look up to us for guidance and support. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (2:195)

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

The second part of the Hadith states, (wasbir tazfur) "وَاصْبِرْ تَظْفُرْ۔". Here, the word (wasbir) "وَاصْبِرْ" means to be patient. Patience is a virtue emphasized throughout the Quran, as it enables Muslims to endure hardships and trials with steadfastness and resilience. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (2:45)

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].

By practicing patience, Muslims can overcome challenges and achieve triumph. Patience allows us to maintain our composure in difficult situations, to persevere in the face of adversity, and to trust in Allah's plan. It is through patience that we find strength and resilience, enabling us to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (2:155-156)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the profound wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By being generous, we not only benefit others but also gain authority and respect. Through acts of kindness and selflessness, we establish a positive influence in our communities. Similarly, by practicing patience, we develop the strength and resilience to overcome challenges and achieve triumph. Patience allows us to navigate through the trials of life with grace and composure.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the qualities of generosity and patience in our daily lives. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards our fellow human beings but also attain spiritual growth and success. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be generous and patient, and may He bless us with authority and triumph.