Hadith #5880

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنْ لَمْ يَتَعَرَّضْ لِلنَّوائِبِ تَعَرَّضَتْ لَهُ النَّوائِبُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

One who does not prepare himself to confront hardships [with patience and supplication], the hardships befall him [while he is unprepared for them].

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used. The word (nawā'ib) "نَوَائِبُ" refers to hardships, difficulties, or calamities that one may encounter in life. It encompasses various challenges, such as physical, emotional, or spiritual tribulations. The word (ta'arraḍat) "تَعَرَّضَتْ" means to confront or face. It implies actively preparing oneself to deal with these hardships.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being proactive in preparing oneself to face the inevitable trials of life. It highlights the necessity of developing patience and supplicating to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to seek His guidance and assistance during difficult times. By doing so, one can better navigate through the challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, knows our capabilities and will not test us beyond our limits. Therefore, it is crucial to have faith in His wisdom and rely on His strength during times of hardship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Inshirah (94:5-6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Verily, with hardship, there is relief. Verily, with hardship, there is relief.

These verses assure us that after every difficulty, there is ease and comfort. They remind us that hardships are temporary and that Allah's mercy and blessings are always near.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we understand that preparing ourselves to face hardships involves both internal and external aspects. Internally, it requires cultivating patience, fortitude, and a positive mindset. This means developing the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity, trusting in Allah's plan, and seeking His guidance through supplication and remembrance.

Externally, preparing for hardships involves taking practical steps to equip ourselves with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to overcome challenges. For example, if one is facing financial difficulties, they should seek financial literacy, explore opportunities for employment or entrepreneurship, and practice wise financial management. By doing so, they are actively preparing themselves to confront and overcome the hardships they may encounter.

The consequences of not preparing ourselves for hardships can be detrimental. When we are unprepared, hardships can catch us off guard, leaving us vulnerable and overwhelmed. We may become disheartened, lose hope, or make impulsive decisions that worsen the situation. However, by following the guidance of this Hadith, we can navigate through hardships with patience, resilience, and trust in Allah's plan.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom. His teachings, including this Hadith, serve as a guiding light for Muslims of all generations. By internalizing the message of this Hadith and aligning our actions with its teachings, we can prepare ourselves to confront hardships with strength, faith, and perseverance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of actively preparing ourselves to face hardships. It urges us to develop patience, supplicate to Allah, and take practical steps to equip ourselves for the challenges that lie ahead. By doing so, we can navigate through difficulties with resilience, faith, and the assurance that Allah's mercy and relief are always near. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to face hardships with grace and patience.