Hadith #10144

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic phrase (transliterated as

Kayfa yanjoo min Allahi haaribuhu?

)

كَيْفَ يَنْجُو مِنَ اللّهِ هارِبُهُ؟!

is a amazing Hadith made by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the fourth caliph of the Muslim community. This statement serves as a reminder and a question that challenges the notion of escaping from the presence and accountability of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth and significance of this statement, we must turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the concept of His all-encompassing knowledge and the impossibility of escaping His presence. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:4), Allah says,

He knows what enters the earth and what emerges from it, what descends from the heaven and what ascends therein. And He is with you wherever you are.

This verse highlights the fact that Allah's knowledge encompasses everything, and He is present with His creation at all times and in all places.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mulk (67:14), Allah states,

Should He not know what He created? And He is the Subtle, the Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that Allah is fully aware of His creation and their actions. There is no escaping His knowledge, as He is the All-Knowing and the All-Aware.

Imam Ali's statement,

How can one who flees from Allah be saved?!

serves as a powerful reminder that no one can escape the presence and knowledge of Allah. It is a call to reflect upon our actions and intentions, reminding us that we cannot hide from the consequences of our deeds. Whether we choose to acknowledge and submit to Allah's guidance or attempt to flee from it, we will ultimately be held accountable for our choices.

This statement also highlights the wisdom and knowledge possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As the rightful successor of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and a paragon of knowledge, he understood the fundamental truth that no one can escape the divine presence. His words serve as a reminder to Muslims that true salvation lies in embracing Allah's guidance and seeking His forgiveness, rather than attempting to flee from Him.

The consequences of fleeing from Allah's guidance are severe. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:36), Allah warns,

Indeed, those who disbelieve - if they should have all that is in the earth and the like of it with it by which to ransom themselves from the punishment of the Day of Resurrection, it will not be accepted from them, and for them is a painful punishment.

This verse highlights that no amount of worldly possessions or attempts to escape Allah's presence will save one from the consequences of disbelief and disobedience.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's statement, we are reminded of the importance of constantly seeking Allah's guidance and forgiveness. We must strive to align our actions with His commandments and avoid fleeing from His presence. Instead of trying to escape accountability, we should embrace the opportunity for repentance and strive to improve ourselves. Only through sincere submission to Allah and adherence to His guidance can we find true salvation and eternal success.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's statement,

How can one who flees from Allah be saved?!

serves as a profound reminder of the impossibility of escaping Allah's presence and the consequences of attempting to do so. It calls upon Muslims to reflect upon their actions, seek Allah's forgiveness, and strive to align themselves with His guidance. May we all be guided by this wisdom and find salvation in submitting to Allah's will.