Hadith #10600

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a beautiful saying that emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the need to embrace both sadness and caution in one's life. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (yanbaghi) "يَنْبَغِي" in the Hadith implies an obligation or a duty. It signifies that it is necessary and incumbent upon an individual to fulfill a certain action or behavior. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the moral duty of a person who has true self-awareness.

The term (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to oneself or one's own self. It encompasses the understanding and recognition of one's own strengths, weaknesses, desires, and inclinations. It is through this self-awareness that a person can truly understand their own nature and navigate through the challenges of life.

The word (yufariqahu) "يُفَارِقَهُ" means to separate or distance oneself from something. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises that the one who truly knows themselves should not separate themselves from two important aspects: sadness and caution.

Sadness, or (al-huzn) "الحُزْنُ", refers to a state of sorrow or grief. It is a natural emotion that arises from the trials and tribulations of life. The Imam is reminding us that it is important to acknowledge and embrace sadness when it comes our way, rather than trying to suppress or avoid it. By accepting and experiencing sadness, we can learn valuable lessons, develop empathy, and grow spiritually.

Caution, or (al-hathar) "الحَذَرُ", refers to being vigilant, watchful, and careful. It implies a state of mindfulness and awareness of one's surroundings and actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises that those who know themselves should not separate themselves from caution. This means that self-aware individuals should always be mindful of their choices, actions, and the potential consequences they may have. By exercising caution, one can avoid harm, make wise decisions, and protect themselves from the pitfalls of life.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support and reinforce the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse emphasizes the importance of being cautious and prepared in our journey through life. It reminds us that the best provision we can have is the fear of Allah and the mindfulness of His commands.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So that you may not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you.

This verse highlights the importance of embracing sadness and not becoming overly attached to worldly possessions or achievements. It encourages us to maintain a balanced perspective and to find solace in the remembrance of Allah during times of sadness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be self-aware, to acknowledge and embrace the natural emotions of sadness, and to exercise caution in their actions and decisions. By doing so, we can navigate through the challenges of life with wisdom, resilience, and a deep connection to our Creator.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to truly know ourselves and to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He guide us to embrace sadness and caution in a way that brings us closer to Him and helps us fulfill our purpose in this world.