Hadith #279

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of supplication and prayer for both those who are afflicted with hardships and those who have been spared from them. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (the one who is afflicted with hardship) "الْمُبْتَلَى" and (praying/supplication) "الدُّعَاءِ". The word "الْمُبْتَلَى" refers to someone who is tested or afflicted with difficulties, challenges, or trials. It encompasses various forms of hardships, such as physical ailments, financial struggles, emotional distress, or any other tribulations that one may face in life. On the other hand, "الدُّعَاءِ" refers to the act of supplicating or calling upon Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for help, guidance, and mercy.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 186:

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided.

This verse emphasizes the closeness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to His servants and His willingness to respond to their supplications. It highlights the importance of prayer and the power it holds in seeking Allah's help and guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ghafir, verse 60, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you.' Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.

This verse reinforces the idea that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always ready to respond to the prayers of His servants. It serves as a reminder that regardless of our circumstances, whether we are facing hardships or not, we should turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in supplication.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Imam states that the one who is afflicted with hardships is not in greater need of praying than the one who has been spared from affliction but is not immune to it. This statement highlights the universal need for prayer and supplication, regardless of our circumstances. It reminds us that even if we are not currently facing hardships, we are not immune to them in the future. Therefore, we should continuously seek Allah's guidance, mercy, and protection through prayer.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of recognizing our dependency on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. Whether we are facing difficulties or enjoying ease, we should never forget that it is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) who controls all affairs. By supplicating to Him, we acknowledge our reliance on His mercy and seek His guidance and protection.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder that hardships are a part of life, and no one is exempt from them. Even those who seem to be spared from afflictions are not immune to them. Therefore, we should not become complacent or arrogant in times of ease, but rather, we should humble ourselves before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His blessings and protection.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of supplication and prayer in all circumstances. It reminds us that regardless of whether we are facing hardships or not, we should continuously turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in prayer, seeking His guidance, mercy, and protection. It is through prayer that we strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and find solace and strength in His infinite wisdom and mercy. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to supplicate sincerely and may He answer our prayers.