Hadith #5890

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Be happy with tribulation and pleased with affliction [as you will gain great reward for it].

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of having a positive attitude towards hardships and difficulties in life. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (bala') "بَلاءِ" refers to trials, tribulations, or tests that one may face in life. It encompasses various challenges, such as physical, emotional, or spiritual hardships. These trials can come in the form of illness, loss of wealth, or even persecution for the sake of one's faith. It is important to note that these trials are not punishments from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but rather opportunities for growth and purification.

The word (mahboor) "مَحْبُوراً" means to be content, satisfied, or happy. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to embrace these trials with a positive mindset. Instead of complaining or feeling disheartened, we should find solace and happiness in the fact that we are being tested by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This contentment arises from the understanding that these trials are a means to attain great rewards and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155-157),

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.' Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.

These verses remind us that trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of life. They serve as a means to purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and increase our rewards in the Hereafter. The patient believers who remain steadfast and content during times of hardship are the ones who will receive blessings and mercy from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of being content with affliction is found in Surah Al-Insan (76:22), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And they will be given to drink a cup [of wine] whose mixture is of ginger from a fountain within Paradise named Salsabeel.

This verse highlights the reward that awaits those who patiently endure hardships in this world. The believers will be granted a drink from a fountain in Paradise, which will bring them immense joy and satisfaction.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, advises us to adopt a positive mindset when faced with trials and afflictions. By doing so, we not only gain rewards in the Hereafter but also experience a sense of inner peace and contentment in this world. This attitude allows us to grow spiritually, develop resilience, and deepen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of embracing trials and tribulations with a positive mindset. By being content and happy during times of hardship, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's wisdom and our willingness to endure for His sake. Through the examples and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family, we learn that patience and contentment in the face of adversity are qualities that lead to immense rewards and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to face trials with a positive attitude and may He bless us with contentment and happiness in this life and the Hereafter.