Hadith #6667

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us,

Do not face your adversary before you are powerful enough [to defeat him].

This beautiful Hadith holds great wisdom and guidance for Muslims in dealing with their enemies and challenges in life.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (la tuqi') "لاتُوقِعْ" means "do not face" or

do not engage with.

It implies that we should not confront our adversaries or challenges prematurely, without being adequately prepared or capable. The word (bil-'aduww) "بِالعَدُوِّ" refers to the adversary or enemy, someone who opposes or poses a threat to us. And the word (qabla al-qudrah) "قَبْلَ القُدْرَةِ" means

before you are powerful enough

or

before you have the ability.

To understand the significance of this advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah An-Nahl, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 8:60)

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 emphasizes the importance of being adequately prepared and equipped before engaging with the enemy. It highlights the need to possess the necessary strength and resources to effectively face challenges.

Another verse that supports the wisdom of Imam Ali's advice is found in Surah Al-Anfal, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 8:15)

O you who have believed, when you meet those who disbelieve advancing [for battle], do not turn to them your backs [in flight].

This verse encourages believers to stand firm and not retreat when facing the enemy. However, it does not negate the importance of being adequately prepared and capable before confronting them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice is a reminder for Muslims to assess their own capabilities and strengths before engaging in any confrontation. It encourages us to be realistic and strategic in our approach. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary risks and ensure a higher chance of success.

This Hadith also has broader implications beyond physical confrontations. It can be applied to various aspects of life, such as personal relationships, career choices, and decision-making. For instance, before entering into a marriage or a business partnership, it is essential to evaluate our readiness and ability to handle the responsibilities and challenges that come with it. Similarly, in matters of faith, we should strive to acquire knowledge and strengthen our spiritual connection before engaging in debates or discussions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound wisdom and deep knowledge. His advice in this Hadith reflects his understanding of human nature and the importance of being well-prepared in all aspects of life. By heeding this advice, Muslims can avoid unnecessary hardships and increase their chances of success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of being adequately prepared and capable before facing our adversaries or challenges. It reminds us to assess our own strengths and resources, and to avoid premature confrontations that may lead to unfavorable outcomes. By following this guidance, we can navigate through life's difficulties with wisdom and prudence, ultimately achieving success in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.