Hadith #1518

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark contrast between the characteristics of two individuals: the innocent and the suspicious. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, draws our attention to the stark difference in their levels of courage and timidity.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ashja'a) "أشْجَعَ" is derived from the root word (shajā'ah) "شَجَاعَةٌ", which means courage or bravery. It refers to the quality of being bold, fearless, and confident in the face of challenges or adversity. On the other hand, the word (ajbana) "أجْبَنَ" is derived from the root word (jabn) "جَبَنٌ", which means timidity or cowardice. It signifies the lack of courage, hesitation, and fearfulness in one's actions or decisions.

To further comprehend the beautiful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of courage and steadfastness in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Imran (3:175), Allah says,

It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. So, fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.

This verse reminds us that true believers should not succumb to fear or timidity in the face of opposition or adversity. Instead, they should rely on Allah's guidance and have the courage to stand firm in their faith.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah states,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the detrimental effects of disputes and losing courage. It emphasizes the importance of unity, obedience, and perseverance in maintaining strength and steadfastness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate the quality of courage and avoid falling into the trap of suspicion and timidity. The innocent one, who is free from doubts and suspicions, possesses the strength to face challenges head-on. Their unwavering faith and trust in Allah enable them to overcome obstacles with courage and determination.

On the other hand, the suspicious one, who is plagued by doubts and uncertainties, becomes timid and hesitant in their actions. Their lack of trust and confidence weakens their resolve, making them susceptible to fear and indecisiveness. This Hadith serves as a cautionary reminder for Muslims to guard against excessive suspicion and doubt, as it can erode their courage and hinder their progress in various aspects of life.

The consequences of embracing suspicion and timidity are far-reaching. It can lead to missed opportunities, hinder personal growth, and weaken the bonds of unity within the Muslim community. Conversely, cultivating courage and trust in Allah can empower individuals to overcome challenges, make bold decisions, and contribute positively to society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing a strong and unwavering faith, free from baseless suspicions and doubts. By embodying the qualities of the innocent one, we can tap into our inner courage and face the trials of life with confidence and resilience. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to be courageous and protect us from the pitfalls of suspicion and timidity.