Hadith #3333

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذا خِفْتَ الخالِقَ فَرَرْتَ إلَيهِ۔

This can be translated as,

When you fear the Creator, you flee towards Him.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of seeking refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) when faced with fear or difficulties.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining its key words. The word (khifta) "خِفْتَ" translates to "fear" or "being afraid." It refers to the feeling of apprehension or worry that arises within us when faced with a challenging situation. The word (al-khaliq) "الخالِقَ" means "the Creator" and refers to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the One who has brought everything into existence. Finally, the word (fararta) "فَرَرْتَ" means "flee" or "seek refuge." It signifies seeking protection, safety, and solace in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) when confronted with fear or difficulties.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:48), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when Satan made their deeds pleasing to them and said, 'No one can overcome you today from among the people, and indeed, I am your protector.' But when the two armies sighted each other, he turned on his heels and said, 'Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see; indeed, I fear Allah. And Allah is severe in penalty.'

This verse narrates the incident of the Battle of Badr, where the disbelievers were filled with arrogance and confidence due to the whisperings of Satan. However, when they faced the believers, Satan abandoned them, fearing Allah's punishment. This example illustrates the importance of seeking refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) when confronted with fear or challenges. It reminds us that true protection and strength lie in turning towards our Creator.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:109), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, there was a party of My servants who said, 'Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us and have mercy upon us, and You are the best of the merciful.' But you took them in mockery to the point that they made you forget My remembrance, and you used to laugh at them. Indeed, I have rewarded them this Day for their patient endurance - that they are the attainers [of success].

This verse highlights the struggles faced by the believers in the face of adversity and mockery. Despite being ridiculed, they turned to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and sought His forgiveness and mercy. Their unwavering faith and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) led to their ultimate success and reward. This serves as a powerful reminder that seeking refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) during times of fear or difficulty can lead to immense blessings and protection.

In light of these Quranic verses, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) when we are afraid or facing challenges. It reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate source of strength, protection, and solace. By seeking refuge in Him, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and affirm our trust in His divine wisdom and mercy.

When we fear the Creator and flee towards Him, we are guided by the example of the believers who sought refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in times of difficulty. This act of seeking refuge is not merely a physical escape, but a spiritual and emotional surrender to Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will. It is an expression of our faith and recognition that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate protector and the one who can alleviate our fears and anxieties.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of seeking refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) when faced with fear or difficulties. By turning to our Creator, we acknowledge His power, seek His guidance, and find solace in His mercy. Just as the believers in the Quran sought refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and were rewarded for their patience and faith, we too can find strength and protection by fleeing towards our Creator. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek refuge in Him and may He alleviate our fears and difficulties.