Hadith #4014

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of defending the religious laws, protecting the borders of the Muslim lands, and safeguarding one's religion and trust through impartiality and justice. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first phrase of the Hadith states,

Defend the religious laws.

The Arabic word used here is "شَرَائِع," which refers to the divine laws and ordinances prescribed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the guidance of humanity. This includes the commandments, prohibitions, and principles that form the foundation of our faith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (2:187),

It has been made lawful for you to approach your wives during the nights of the fast. They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them.

This verse highlights the importance of adhering to the religious laws and regulations, even in matters of personal relationships.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Protect the borders of the Muslim lands.

The word used here is "ثُغُورَ," which refers to the boundaries and frontiers of the Muslim territories. This emphasizes the duty of Muslims to safeguard their lands and protect them from external threats. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (22:39),

Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory.

This verse highlights the necessity of defending the Muslim lands when they are unjustly attacked or oppressed.

The third part of the Hadith states,

Safeguard your religion and your trust through your impartiality towards yourself.

The word used here is "أَمَانَةَ," which refers to trust and responsibility. This highlights the importance of fulfilling our obligations and commitments with integrity and fairness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (4:58),

Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.

This verse emphasizes the significance of upholding trust and acting justly in all our dealings.

The final part of the Hadith states,

Act justly among your subjects.

The word used here is "عَدْلِ," which refers to justice and fairness. This emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with equity and impartiality, regardless of their social status or background. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (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.

This verse highlights the significance of acting justly and impartially towards all people, even in the face of personal biases or animosity.

In light of this Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to defend the religious laws, protect the Muslim lands, and safeguard their religion and trust through impartiality and justice. By adhering to these principles, Muslims can establish a just and righteous society, where the rights of individuals are protected, and the teachings of Islam are upheld.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified these qualities of knowledge, justice, and impartiality throughout his life. His profound understanding of the Quran and his unwavering commitment to justice earned him the title of

The Gate of Knowledge

among the Muslims. He served as a role model for all Muslims, demonstrating the importance of defending the faith, protecting the community, and upholding justice in all aspects of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to defend the religious laws, protect the Muslim lands, and safeguard their religion and trust through impartiality and justice. By following these principles, we can establish a just and righteous society, guided by the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold these values in our lives.