Hadith #2154

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Judiciousness is safeguarding that which you have been charged with and leaving that which has been guaranteed for you.

This impactful saying highlights the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations, while also recognizing the divine protection and provision that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "hazm" refers to judiciousness or prudence, which entails making wise and thoughtful decisions. It involves carefully considering the consequences of our actions and choosing the most appropriate course of action. "Hifz" means safeguarding or protecting, indicating the responsibility we have to preserve and fulfill the duties entrusted to us. "Kullifta" refers to that which we have been charged with, encompassing our obligations and responsibilities in various aspects of life. On the other hand, "kufita" signifies that which has been guaranteed for us, indicating the divine provisions and blessings that Allah has promised to provide.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8:

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse highlights the obligation to uphold justice and fulfill our responsibilities, even if it goes against our personal interests or relationships. It emphasizes the importance of being truthful and just, regardless of the circumstances. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the covenant we made with Him:

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and towards others. It reminds us of the covenant we made with Allah to worship Him alone and to fulfill our duties towards our parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. Neglecting these responsibilities is a breach of our covenant with Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the need for balance and discernment in our actions. We are called to fulfill our responsibilities diligently, ensuring that we discharge our duties to the best of our abilities. This includes fulfilling our obligations towards Allah, our families, our communities, and society at large. At the same time, we must recognize that Allah has guaranteed certain provisions and blessings for us. We should trust in His divine wisdom and refrain from excessive worry or greed. This does not mean that we become complacent or neglectful, but rather that we have faith in Allah's promise to provide for us.

For example, in the pursuit of our livelihoods, we should work hard, be honest, and strive for excellence. However, we should also trust that Allah will provide for us and not become consumed by materialistic pursuits. This balance between fulfilling our responsibilities and trusting in Allah's provisions is essential for leading a righteous and balanced life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of judiciousness in fulfilling our responsibilities and recognizing the divine provisions guaranteed for us. It calls us to strike a balance between fulfilling our obligations and trusting in Allah's provisions. By doing so, we can lead a life of righteousness, contentment, and gratitude. May Allah guide us all to embody the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt and grant us the wisdom to fulfill our responsibilities with judiciousness.