Hadith #4027

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with invaluable guidance on how to establish a strong and prosperous state. He advises us to make religion the fortress of our state and gratitude the protection of our blessings. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (deen) "دين" in this hadith refers to religion, which encompasses all aspects of faith, beliefs, and practices. It is the foundation upon which a state should be built. The Quran emphasizes the importance of religion in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion.

This verse highlights the freedom of choice and the importance of upholding religious principles without coercion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to make gratitude the protection of our blessings. The word (shukr) "شُكْر" refers to expressing gratitude and appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is not only a virtue but also a means of preserving and increasing our blessings. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Ibrahim (14:7),

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

The connection between religion and the state is crucial for its stability and success. When religion becomes the fortress of a state, it serves as a guiding light, providing moral and ethical principles that govern the actions of its leaders and citizens. This adherence to religious values ensures justice, equality, and the well-being of society as a whole. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8),

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.

Gratitude, on the other hand, acts as a shield that protects our blessings from being taken away. When we express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us, we acknowledge that they are gifts from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not something we inherently deserve. This humility and appreciation create a mindset of contentment and prevent us from becoming complacent or ungrateful. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah An-Nahl (16:18),

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

When we apply the teachings of this hadith in our personal lives and in the governance of our states, we can witness the transformative power it holds. By making religion the foundation of our state, we ensure that justice, compassion, and righteousness prevail. By practicing gratitude, we safeguard our blessings and cultivate a sense of contentment and appreciation.

Let us strive to implement the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives and in the societies we live in. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to establish states that are firmly rooted in religion and gratitude, and may He grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.