Hadith #2026

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ خَذَلَ جُنْدَهُ نَصَرَ أضْدادَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who abandons his army has helped his adversaries.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom and guidance contained within this statement, drawing upon the teachings of the Quran.

The word (khazala) "خَذَلَ" in this Hadith means to abandon, desert, or betray. It refers to the act of leaving or neglecting one's responsibilities towards their army or those who depend on them for protection and support. By doing so, one not only fails to fulfill their duty but also inadvertently aids their adversaries.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 8:46)

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 emphasizes the importance of unity, obedience, and perseverance in the face of challenges. When a leader abandons their army, it leads to a loss of courage and strength, weakening the collective force. This not only hampers the chances of success but also emboldens the adversaries, who take advantage of the disarray caused by the leader's abandonment.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 16:91)

And fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have taken it, [O believers], and do not break oaths after their confirmation while you have made Allah, over you, a witness. Indeed, Allah knows what you do.

This verse highlights the significance of honoring our commitments and remaining steadfast in fulfilling our duties. When a leader abandons their army, they break the covenant they made with their soldiers and betray the trust placed in them. This not only weakens the bond of loyalty but also undermines the morale and unity of the army.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the consequences of abandoning our responsibilities. When a leader deserts their army, it creates a sense of betrayal and abandonment among the soldiers, leading to demoralization and disunity. This, in turn, empowers the adversaries, who seize the opportunity to exploit the weakened state of the army.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a timeless lesson for leaders in all aspects of life. Whether it be in the realm of politics, business, or personal relationships, the principle remains the same. When a leader neglects their responsibilities and abandons those who depend on them, they inadvertently aid their adversaries and weaken their own position.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and remaining steadfast in our duties. It highlights the consequences of abandoning those who rely on us and the subsequent empowerment of our adversaries. May we always strive to honor our commitments and support those who depend on us, for in doing so, we strengthen ourselves and protect against the forces that seek to undermine us.