Hadith #1336

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللّهِ لَجَأَ إلَيْهِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who believes in Allah seeks [help and] protection from Him.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith by analyzing its key words and their implications. The word (aman) "آمَنَ" means to believe, have faith, and trust. It encompasses not only the acknowledgment of Allah's existence but also the acceptance of His oneness, His attributes, and His sovereignty. It is a comprehensive belief that encompasses the heart, mind, and actions of a Muslim.

The word (billah) "بِاللّهِ" refers to Allah, the Almighty, the Creator, and the Sustainer of the universe. It emphasizes the belief in the divine essence of Allah and His absolute authority over all affairs. It is through this belief in Allah that one finds solace, guidance, and protection.

The phrase (laja'a ilayhi) "لَجَأَ إلَيْهِ" means to seek refuge or protection. It signifies the act of turning to Allah for help, support, and safety. It is an expression of complete reliance on Allah's power and mercy, recognizing that He alone has the ability to grant protection and alleviate any difficulties or hardships.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking His protection and refuge. In Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113), Allah says:

(Quran 113:1-5)

Say, 'I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak From the evil of that which He created And from the evil of darkness when it settles And from the evil of the blowers in knots And from the evil of an envier when he envies.'

This Quranic passage highlights the need for seeking Allah's protection from various forms of evil and harm. It reminds us that Allah is the ultimate source of safety and security, and by seeking refuge in Him, we can find solace and deliverance from any adversity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (Chapter 23), Allah describes the qualities of the believers, stating:

(Quran 23:57-62)

And those who believe in the signs of their Lord And who do not associate anything with their Lord And who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord It is those who hasten to good deeds, and they are the first to do them And We charge no soul except [with that within] its capacity, and with Us is a record which speaks with truth; and they will not be wronged.

This Quranic passage emphasizes the belief in Allah and the importance of seeking His protection. It highlights that true believers are those who recognize their dependence on Allah, fear Him, and strive to do good deeds. They understand that seeking refuge in Allah is not a sign of weakness but rather a manifestation of their strong faith and trust in Him.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we can draw several profound insights. Firstly, belief in Allah is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical and transformative faith that guides our actions and decisions. It is through this belief that we find the strength to face challenges and seek refuge in Allah's protection.

Secondly, seeking refuge in Allah is not a passive act but an active one. It requires us to turn to Allah sincerely, with humility and trust, seeking His guidance, mercy, and support. It is a recognition that our ultimate safety lies in Allah's hands, and He alone has the power to grant us protection and deliverance.

Lastly, seeking refuge in Allah should not be limited to times of distress or difficulty. It should be a constant practice in our lives, as we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of this world. By seeking Allah's protection, we fortify our hearts and minds, finding peace and tranquility in His remembrance and reliance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true belief in Allah necessitates seeking His protection. It is a reminder that as Muslims, we should place our trust in Allah, rely on His guidance, and seek refuge in Him in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can find solace, strength, and divine assistance in our journey towards righteousness and salvation. May Allah grant us the ability to truly believe in Him and seek His protection.