According to Hassidic tradition, the darkness that descended upon Egypt during the plagues was not just a physical darkness, but a spiritual one as well. The darkness represented a deep spiritual malaise that had taken hold of the Egyptian people, who had become steeped in idolatry and materialism.
The Hassidic explanation of the darkness pledge is that it was a manifestation of the principle that "evil cannot exist in the presence of holiness." The Jewish people, who were spiritually pure, represented a source of holiness, and the darkness served to protect them from the evil influences of the Egyptians.
Additionally, the darkness served as a way to elevate the Jewish people spiritually. In the absence of physical light, the Jews were forced to rely on their spiritual senses, and they were able to connect more deeply with God during this time.
The Hassidic approach also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the hand of God in all events, including the plagues. The darkness was not just a natural occurrence, but a deliberate act of God designed to achieve a specific purpose. By recognizing this, the Jewish people were able to deepen their faith and trust in God.