Hadith #6687

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 righteous companions.

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

Never underestimate an enemy, even if he is weak.

This beautiful saying holds great wisdom and carries important lessons for all Muslims.

Let us first delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (tastaghiran) "تَسْتَصْغِرَنَّ" means to belittle, underestimate, or consider something or someone as insignificant. The word (aduwwan) "عَدُوًّا" refers to an enemy or adversary. And the word (da'ufa) "ضَعُفَ" means weak or feeble.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of being cautious and not underestimating the capabilities of our adversaries. In Surah An-Nisa (4:77), Allah says,

Have you not seen those who were told, 'Restrain your hands [from fighting] and establish prayer and give zakah'? But then when fighting was ordained for them, at once a party of them feared men as they fear Allah or with [even] greater fear. They said, 'Our Lord, why have You decreed upon us fighting? If only You had postponed [it for] us for a short time.' Say, The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for he who fears Allah. And injustice will not be done to you, [even] as much as a thread [inside a date seed].'

This ayah highlights the importance of not underestimating the enemy, as some Muslims during the time of the Prophet (ﷺ) did. They were initially hesitant to engage in battle and feared their adversaries. However, Allah reminds them that the enjoyment of this world is temporary, and the rewards of the Hereafter are far greater. This serves as a lesson for us to not underestimate the strength and capabilities of our enemies, regardless of their apparent weakness.

Another verse that supports the wisdom of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), where Allah says,

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 reminds us not to lose courage or underestimate our enemies, as doing so can lead to a loss of strength and determination. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) and encourages us to remain patient and steadfast in the face of adversity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and cautious, even when facing seemingly weak adversaries. It teaches us that underestimating our enemies can have dire consequences. By not underestimating our enemies, we can better prepare ourselves and take the necessary precautions to protect our faith, our community, and our values.

This Hadith also reflects the profound knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam. His experiences on the battlefield and his close proximity to the Prophet (ﷺ) allowed him to gain deep insights into the nature of warfare and the strategies required to overcome challenges.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Never underestimate an enemy, even if he is weak

serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims. It urges us to be cautious, vigilant, and prepared, regardless of the apparent strength or weakness of our adversaries. By heeding this advice, we can protect ourselves, our faith, and our community, and ultimately strive to uphold the principles of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to implement this guidance in our lives.