Hadith #79

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The survivors of the sword (from getting killed) are large in number and have a large progeny.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (baqiyyatu) "بَقِيَّةُ" in the hadith refers to the survivors or remnants. It implies those who remain after a battle or conflict, those who are spared from being killed. The word (sayf) "سَيْفِ" means the sword, which symbolizes warfare and conflict. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the fact that those who survive the battles and conflicts are not only numerous in quantity but also have a large progeny.

This statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:65),

O Prophet, urge the believers to battle. If there are among you twenty [who are] steadfast, they will overcome two hundred. And if there are among you one hundred [who are] steadfast, they will overcome a thousand of those who have disbelieved because they are a people who do not understand.

This verse emphasizes the strength and resilience of the believers in the face of adversity. It demonstrates that a small number of steadfast believers can overcome a much larger number of disbelievers. The survivors of the sword, as mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), are a testament to this truth. They are the ones who remain steadfast in their faith and emerge victorious despite the odds stacked against them.

Furthermore, the concept of a large progeny mentioned in the hadith is also supported by the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And We have certainly made the Qur'an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?

This verse highlights the importance of preserving and passing on the message of the Quran to future generations. The survivors of the sword, who have a large progeny, play a crucial role in ensuring the continuation of the faith and the propagation of the Quranic teachings.

The profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement becomes even more evident when we reflect on the motivations, consequences, and reflections it entails. The survivors of the sword are motivated by their unwavering faith and dedication to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They are driven by the desire to uphold the truth, defend justice, and protect the principles of Islam. Their actions have far-reaching consequences, as they inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps and carry the torch of faith.

The survivors of the sword serve as a reminder to all Muslims of the importance of perseverance and steadfastness in the face of adversity. They exemplify the qualities of courage, resilience, and unwavering faith that are essential for success in this world and the hereafter. Their stories and sacrifices inspire us to remain steadfast in our own struggles and to never lose hope, knowing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always with those who strive in His cause.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the survivors of the sword, those who remain steadfast in their faith and emerge victorious from conflicts, are not only numerous in number but also have a large progeny. This statement is supported by the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the strength of the believers and the importance of preserving and passing on the message of Islam. The survivors of the sword serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for all Muslims, reminding us of the qualities and values that lead to success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and steadfastness to follow in their footsteps.