Hadith #1174

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

Security is [a cause of] deception; fear is [a means of] precaution.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (security) "أمْنُ" refers to a state of being free from danger or harm. It is a state of tranquility and peace. On the surface, security may seem desirable and something to strive for. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that security can be deceptive. It can lead to complacency and a false sense of invincibility. When one feels secure, they may become negligent and fail to take necessary precautions.

On the other hand, the word (fear) "خَوْفُ" refers to a state of being afraid or anxious. Fear is often seen as something negative, but Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights its positive aspect. He states that fear is a means of precaution. When we are fearful, we become vigilant and cautious. We take steps to protect ourselves and avoid potential harm.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:29),

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fear of Allah (تَقْوَىٰ) as a means of protection and guidance. When we fear Allah and His punishment, we are motivated to adhere to His commands and avoid sinful actions. This fear acts as a safeguard against wrongdoing and helps us stay on the right path.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of fear is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:175), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. So, fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.

This verse reminds us that our fear should be directed towards Allah alone. We should not fear the plots and schemes of the enemies of Islam, but rather fear displeasing Allah and falling into sin. This fear of Allah motivates us to seek His pleasure and strive for righteousness.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. Security, when taken for granted, can lead to negligence and a false sense of invincibility. It can make us forget the transient nature of this world and the tests that lie ahead. On the other hand, fear acts as a reminder of our vulnerability and the need for constant vigilance.

When we live in a state of fear, we are motivated to seek protection and guidance from Allah. We turn to Him in prayer, seeking His help and mercy. This fear keeps us humble and aware of our dependence on Allah's guidance and support. It prevents us from becoming complacent and falling into the traps of Shaytan.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between security and fear. While we should strive for security in our lives, we should not become complacent or forget our ultimate reliance on Allah. We should maintain a healthy fear of Allah, which acts as a safeguard against sin and motivates us to seek His pleasure.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the profound teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the ability to apply them in our lives. May He protect us from the deception of false security and guide us to live a life of righteousness and taqwa.