Hadith #10398

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of testing oneself in the obedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through patience in performing obligatory acts and perseverance in performing supererogatory acts and duties. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (sabr) "صَبْرِ", which translates to "patience" in English. Patience is a virtue that is repeatedly emphasized in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:45)

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

This ayah highlights the significance of patience in seeking Allah's assistance and guidance.

The second significant word is (faraidh) "فَرَائِضِ", which refers to the obligatory acts of worship. These are the fundamental acts that every Muslim is obligated to perform, such as the five daily prayers, fasting in Ramadan, paying Zakat, and performing Hajj. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling these obligations in Surah Al-Baqarah, stating, (2:43)

And establish prayer and give Zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]

This ayah highlights the significance of fulfilling the obligatory acts as a means of establishing a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The third crucial word is (nawafil) "نَوَافِلِ", which refers to the supererogatory acts of worship. These are the voluntary acts that a Muslim performs beyond the obligatory acts. They include additional prayers, fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, and giving voluntary charity, among others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to engage in these acts in Surah Al-Muzzammil, stating, (63:10)

And spend from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, 'My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous'

This ayah highlights the importance of engaging in voluntary acts of worship as a means of seeking nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges Muslims to test themselves in the obedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) by demonstrating patience in fulfilling the obligatory acts and perseverance in performing the supererogatory acts. This means that one should not only fulfill the basic obligations but also go beyond them to seek additional closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, Muslims can strengthen their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and increase their spirituality.

For example, when it comes to obligatory acts such as prayer, a Muslim should not simply perform them mechanically but should strive to perfect their prayer by focusing on the presence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fulfilling the requirements of each position and recitation. Similarly, in the case of supererogatory acts, a Muslim should not limit themselves to the minimum recommended acts but should strive to engage in additional acts of worship to earn more rewards and seek greater nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The motivation behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement is to encourage Muslims to continuously strive for excellence in their worship and spiritual growth. By testing oneself in the obedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through patience and perseverance, one can develop a strong and sincere connection with the Creator. This connection will not only bring peace and tranquility to one's heart but also lead to a life of righteousness and fulfillment.

The consequences of implementing Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice are manifold. Firstly, it will strengthen one's faith and increase their spirituality. By going beyond the minimum requirements, a Muslim will experience a deeper sense of connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and a greater understanding of the purpose of their existence. Secondly, it will lead to personal growth and self-discipline. By consistently testing oneself in obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), one will develop the qualities of patience, perseverance, and self-control, which are essential for success in all aspects of life. Finally, it will result in the attainment of Allah's pleasure and the ultimate reward of Paradise. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in the Quran, (2:153)

Indeed, Allah is with the patient

and (39:10)

Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to continuously test themselves in the obedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) by demonstrating patience in fulfilling the obligatory acts and perseverance in performing the supererogatory acts. By doing so, Muslims can strengthen their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), increase their spirituality, and attain His pleasure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement this advice in our lives and may He guide us on the path of righteousness.