Wisdom 21: The Patience of Imam Ali (Peace Be Upon Him)
Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said:
“We have a rightful claim. If it is given to us, then that is our due; otherwise, we shall endure hardship with patience, even if the journey through the darkness is long.”
Key Terms
U‘ṭīnāhu (أُعطيناه)
“It is given to us.”
A‘jāz al-Ibil (أعجاز الإبل)
Literally, “the hind part of the camel.” This expression symbolizes enduring hardship by riding in an uncomfortable position during a long journey.
As-Surā (السُّرى)
Traveling by night, especially over a long distance and often quietly or in secrecy.
Summary of the Wisdom
According to many commentators, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) made this statement either during the events following the Saqifah or during the council (Shūrā) established by the second caliph to appoint his successor.
In this statement, Imam Ali affirms his divinely ordained right to leadership after the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family).
He explains that if this rightful position is withheld, the rightful leaders appointed by Allah will patiently endure hardship until the period of darkness comes to an end and the truth ultimately prevails.
Commentary
1. Patience in the Face of Hardship
The Imam compares this period of deprivation to riding for a long time in the most uncomfortable part of a camel during a difficult journey.
This metaphor illustrates steadfast patience while enduring injustice and hardship.
According to this interpretation, the deprivation of the rightful leadership would continue until the establishment of a just government under a divinely guided and infallible leader.
Some scholars understand this statement as including a hopeful reference to the future establishment of justice under the leadership of Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance).
2. The Long Night of Injustice
The phrase:
“Even if the night journey is long”
symbolizes prolonged periods of oppression, injustice, and misguided rule.
Just as darkness hides the path from travelers, unjust governments obscure truth and justice from society.
The statement reminds believers that periods of hardship are temporary and that truth will ultimately prevail.
3. Leadership Requires Both Divine Appointment and Public Acceptance
According to the teachings presented in this commentary, the leadership (Imamah) of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and the Imams from his family was established by Allah and His Messenger.
However, the practical realization of that leadership also depended upon the willingness of people to accept and support it.
Even if a leader possesses the highest qualifications, governing a society is not possible when the overwhelming majority refuses to follow.
Thus, while legitimate leadership is viewed as a divine trust, its implementation in society requires public acceptance and cooperation.
Key Messages
This wisdom emphasizes that leadership after the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) should belong to the person most qualified in knowledge, justice, character, and closeness to the Messenger of Allah.
Imam Ali (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:
“Who is more deserving than I of succeeding the Messenger of Allah during his lifetime and after his passing?”
His words express confidence in his qualifications while also demonstrating remarkable patience in the face of adversity.
Rather than pursuing power through conflict, he chose endurance and the preservation of the unity of the Muslim community during a difficult period.
Self-Assessment
- According to this commentary, on what occasion did Imam Ali (peace be upon him) make this statement?
- What did Imam Ali intend to convey through these words?
- According to this interpretation, is the appointment of the Prophet’s successor considered a divine matter or a human decision?
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Keywords: Wisdom 21, Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali, The Luminous Path, Patience, Leadership, Imamah, Justice, Saqifah, Islamic Guidance.