Hadith #5866

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us on how to deal with adversity when it unexpectedly befalls us. The key words in this Hadith are (sabr) "صَبْرِ" and (istizhaar) "اِسْتِظْهارِ".

"Sabr" refers to patience, perseverance, and endurance in the face of difficulties. It is the ability to remain steadfast and calm, maintaining one's faith and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) during challenging times. The concept of sabr is emphasized in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153),

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

"Istizhaar" refers to seeking assistance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) during times of adversity. It involves turning to Him in sincere supplication, seeking His guidance, support, and relief. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to seek His help in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:45),

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

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to combine these two qualities when faced with unexpected adversity. He teaches us that when calamity strikes, we should first seek refuge in patience. This means remaining composed, controlling our emotions, and not allowing despair or frustration to overwhelm us. Patience allows us to maintain our faith and trust in Allah's wisdom and plan, knowing that He is testing us for a greater purpose.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to seek assistance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through supplication and prayer. This highlights the importance of turning to Allah in times of difficulty, acknowledging our dependence on Him, and seeking His guidance and support. By doing so, we strengthen our connection with Allah and find solace in His infinite mercy and power.

The consequences of following this advice are profound. When we practice patience and seek assistance from Allah during times of adversity, we develop a stronger relationship with Him. Our faith is strengthened, and we become more resilient in facing life's challenges. We learn to rely on Allah's help and guidance, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of comfort and relief.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us that adversity is a part of life, and it is through these trials that we grow and develop as individuals. It teaches us that the key to overcoming adversity lies in our response to it. By seeking refuge in patience and seeking assistance from Allah, we can transform our hardships into opportunities for spiritual growth and self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to seek refuge in patience and seek assistance from Allah when faced with unexpected adversity. By practicing patience and turning to Allah in supplication, we can navigate through difficult times with strength, resilience, and faith. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and find solace in His guidance and support.