Hadith #10411

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The highest peaks [of success] are not attained but by those who espouse discipline and hard work.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first word in this hadith that requires our attention is (dhirwatu) "ذِرْوَةُ", which translates to "the highest peaks" or "the ultimate goals." This word signifies the pinnacle of success, the ultimate achievement that one strives for in life. It represents the highest level of excellence and accomplishment.

The next word to explore is (al-ghayat) "الغاياتِ", which refers to the goals or objectives that individuals aspire to achieve. These goals can vary from person to person, but they all represent the desired outcomes that individuals work towards.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then emphasizes that these highest peaks of success cannot be attained except by two groups of people: (dhuwat-tahdhib) "ذَوُو التَّهْذِيبِ" and (almujahidat) "المُجاهِداتِ".

"Dhuwat-tahdhib" refers to those who espouse discipline and refinement. These individuals possess the qualities of self-control, self-discipline, and refinement in their character. They adhere to the teachings of Islam and strive to purify their hearts and souls. They are conscious of their actions and constantly seek self-improvement.

The second group, "almujahidat," refers to those who engage in hard work and exertion. These individuals are dedicated, determined, and persevering in their efforts. They understand that success requires consistent effort, resilience, and a willingness to overcome challenges. They are not deterred by obstacles but rather view them as opportunities for growth.

To further understand the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of discipline and hard work in achieving success.

In Surah Al-Asr, Allah says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the necessity of righteous actions and mutual encouragement towards truth and patience. It implies that success is not attained without effort and perseverance.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (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.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of patience and resilience in the face of trials and tribulations. It reminds us that success is not achieved without enduring hardships and remaining steadfast in faith.

These Quranic verses, among many others, illustrate the significance of discipline and hard work in attaining success. They highlight the need for self-improvement, perseverance, and patience in the pursuit of our goals.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that success is not a mere coincidence or a stroke of luck. It is the result of conscious effort, discipline, and hard work. By embodying the qualities of self-discipline and exertion, we can reach the highest peaks of success in both this world and the hereafter.

Let us reflect on our own lives and strive to incorporate these teachings into our daily actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and determination to espouse discipline and hard work in all aspects of our lives, and may He bless us with success in this world and the hereafter.