33/67. Chapter:
Jami at-Tirmidhi 2254 — Do Not Seek Unbearable Trials
Not Taking On A Trial Which One Is Not Able To Bear
Hadith About Avoiding Unbearable Trials
Jami at-Tirmidhi : 2254
Jami at-TirmidhiHadith Number 2254
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَاصِمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ عَلِيِّ بْنِ زَيْدٍ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنْ جُنْدُبٍ، عَنْ حُذَيْفَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " لاَ يَنْبَغِي لِلْمُؤْمِنِ أَنْ يُذِلَّ نَفْسَهُ " . قَالُوا وَكَيْفَ يُذِلُّ نَفْسَهُ . قَالَ " يَتَعَرَّضُ مِنَ الْبَلاَءِ لِمَا لاَ يُطِيقُ " . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ غَرِيبٌ .
It was narrated from Hudhaifah, that the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w) said: "It Is Not For The Believer To Humiliate Himself." They Said: "How Does He Humiliate Himself?" He Said: "By Taking On A Trial Which He Can Not Bear."
[1] There are numerous chains of narration for it, one of which Al-Iraqi called: "Jayid," (see Musnad Ahmad 5:405; Ar-Risalah ) and As-Sahihah no. 613 where Shaikh Al-Albani graded it Hasan . The meaning of this Hadith , is that it is part of faith to recognize one's worth and abilities and lack there of, and that taking a burden one can not bear is a form of injustice and oppression, and Allāh does not oppress His creatures, but they oppress themselves, with the exception of the believer. And it is a fitting prelude and comment on the following Hadith .Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2254In-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 97English translation : Vol. 4, Book 7, Hadith 2254
Summary of Jami at-Tirmidhi Hadith 2254
This hadith about trials gives a clear warning about knowing one’s limits. The Prophet said that it is not for the believer to humiliate himself. When the Companions asked how a person humiliates himself, he explained that it is by exposing himself to a trial he cannot bear. The hadith does not praise reckless behavior. It teaches a balanced path: faith does not mean putting oneself into hardship without need or ability. For people searching for hadith about fitnah and trials, this narration gives a simple rule. A believer should not seek a burden that is beyond his strength, especially when it may harm his religion or dignity.
What we learn from this hadith
- A believer should not humiliate himself.
- One form of self-humiliation is taking on a trial beyond one’s ability.
- The hadith teaches caution, not reckless exposure to hardship.
- Knowing one’s limits can be part of wise religious conduct.
