Hadith #5067

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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,

Courage is a ready support and an evident merit.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (shajā'ah) "شَجَاعَة" in Arabic refers to courage or bravery. It is the quality of being fearless and bold in the face of danger or adversity. This characteristic is highly esteemed in Islam, as it allows individuals to stand up for justice and righteousness, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The phrase (nuṣratun ḥāḍirah) "نُصْرَةٌ حاضِرَةٌ" translates to "a ready support." This implies that courage serves as a constant aid and assistance to those who possess it. It is a source of strength and protection that is readily available whenever it is needed. This support can manifest in various forms, such as physical strength, mental fortitude, or divine assistance.

The phrase (faḍīlatun ẓāhirah) "فَضِيلَةٌ ظَاهِرَةٌ" means "an evident merit." Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that courage is not only a commendable quality but also one that is visibly apparent. It is a virtue that can be observed and recognized by others, inspiring them to emulate and appreciate it.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of courage and bravery. For instance, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy.

This verse encourages Muslims to be prepared and courageous in defending the truth and confronting those who oppose it.

Another verse that highlights the significance of courage is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:173), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those to whom hypocrites said, 'Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.' But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, 'Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.'

This verse narrates the bravery of the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) who remained steadfast in the face of adversity, relying solely on Allah's support.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims. Courage is not only a personal virtue but also a means of support and assistance in times of need. It empowers individuals to overcome challenges, defend the truth, and stand up for justice. Moreover, it is a quality that is visibly apparent, inspiring others and earning admiration.

By embodying courage, Muslims can emulate the examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and their noble companions. It motivates individuals to confront oppression, speak out against injustice, and strive for the betterment of society. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and courage to uphold the values of Islam and be a source of support for those in need.