Hadith #2036

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

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with valuable guidance on how to face challenges and overcome obstacles in our lives. Let us delve into the exegesis of this hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this hadith is (farratun) "فَرَّةٌ", which refers to a fleeing or a retreat. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to let the fleeing that is followed by a return bear down on us. This can be understood as a warning against being overwhelmed by temporary setbacks or failures. The Quranic verse that supports this advice is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:139), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.

The second word of significance is (jawlatun) "جَوْلَةٌ", which means a retreat or withdrawal. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us not to let a retreat that is followed by an attack weigh us down. This can be understood as a reminder to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of adversity. The Quranic verse that resonates with this advice is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to give the swords their due right and prepare a place for the fallen soldiers. This emphasizes the importance of equipping ourselves properly for any battle or struggle we may face. It also highlights the significance of honoring and respecting those who sacrifice their lives in the path of truth and justice. The Quranic verse that aligns with this advice is found in Surah An-Nisa (4:75), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, 'Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?'

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then encourages us to embolden ourselves to charge with intensity and strike with full force. This signifies the importance of taking decisive action and giving our best effort in every endeavor. The Quranic verse that resonates with this advice is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:60), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to silence the voices, as this dispels cowardice. This implies the importance of controlling our own fears and doubts, as well as not paying heed to negative influences that may hinder our progress. The Quranic verse that aligns with this advice is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:30), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with invaluable guidance on how to face challenges and overcome obstacles in our lives. It emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast, resilient, and prepared in the face of adversity. It encourages us to take decisive action, give our best effort, and not let fear or negativity hinder our progress. By following these teachings, we can navigate through life's trials and emerge victorious, with the help and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all strive to embody the qualities and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.