Hadith #5904

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاتَأْمَنْ مِنَ البَلاءِ في أمْنِكَ ورَخائِكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not consider yourself secure from tribulation in your times of safety and comfort.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used in this Hadith. The word (balā') "بَلاءِ" refers to trials, tribulations, or hardships that one may face in life. It encompasses various forms of difficulties, such as physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges. The word (amnik) "أمْنِكَ" means safety or security, while (rakha') "رَخائِكَ" refers to comfort or ease.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against complacency and the false sense of security that can arise during times of safety and comfort. It is a reminder that even in moments of tranquility, we should not become heedless or oblivious to the possibility of trials and tribulations that may come our way.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the impermanence of worldly ease and the inevitability of tests and trials. In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:2), Allah says,

Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tested?

This verse reminds us that belief alone is not enough; rather, it is through trials that our faith is tested and strengthened.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155), Allah says,

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.

This verse highlights that trials can manifest in various forms, including fear, hunger, loss, and adversity. It is through patience and steadfastness that we can navigate through these challenges.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that we should not become complacent or negligent during times of ease. Rather, we should remain vigilant and prepared for any trials that may come our way. By doing so, we can maintain a balanced perspective and avoid being caught off guard when faced with difficulties.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect upon the transient nature of worldly comforts and the fleeting nature of material possessions. It reminds us that true security lies in our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our adherence to His guidance. As mentioned in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to remain vigilant and prepared for the trials and tribulations that may come our way, even during times of safety and comfort. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and not be deceived by the temporary nature of worldly pleasures. By embracing this wisdom, we can navigate through life's challenges with resilience, patience, and unwavering faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to face all trials and tribulations with steadfastness and patience.