Hadith #141

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

لاَ يَعْدَمُ الصَّبُورُ الظَّفَرَ وَإِنْ طَالَ بِهِ الزَّمَانُ

which translates to

The endurer does not miss success although it may take a long time.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in attaining success and victory, even if it requires enduring hardships for an extended period.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by exploring the key words and concepts it contains. The word (sabur) "صَبُورُ" refers to patience, endurance, and steadfastness. It is a quality highly praised in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Himself as (Al-Sabur) "الصَّبُورُ", the Most Patient. Patience is a virtue that enables a person to remain steadfast in the face of trials and tribulations, and it is rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (zafar) "ظَفَرَ" means success, triumph, or victory. It signifies achieving one's goals, overcoming obstacles, and attaining a favorable outcome. Success can take various forms, whether it be in matters of this world or the hereafter. The Hadith assures us that those who possess patience will ultimately taste success, regardless of the length of time it takes.

To further understand the significance of patience and its connection to success, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the importance of patience as a means of seeking assistance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in times of difficulty. It reminds us that Allah is always with those who remain patient and steadfast.

Another verse that emphasizes the connection between patience and success is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the importance of patience in maintaining unity and strength within the Muslim community. It reminds us that disputes and disagreements can weaken us, but patience and perseverance can lead to success and victory.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that success is not always immediate or easily attained. It requires patience, perseverance, and trust in Allah's plan. The journey towards success may be filled with challenges, setbacks, and delays, but those who remain patient and steadfast will eventually achieve their goals.

This Hadith also teaches us that success is not limited to material or worldly gains. It encompasses spiritual growth, moral development, and the attainment of eternal bliss in the hereafter. The ultimate success lies in pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and securing a place in Jannah (Paradise).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of patience and perseverance in attaining success. It assures us that those who possess these qualities will ultimately achieve victory, regardless of the length of time it takes. We should strive to cultivate patience in our lives, seeking inspiration from the Quranic verses that highlight the rewards and virtues of patience. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to endure hardships with patience and bless us with success in this world and the hereafter.