Hadith #2043

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, "أفْضَلُ العُدَدِ الإسْتِظْهارُ۔" This can be translated as,

The best of arsenals is seeking support [from Allah].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (istizhaar) "إسْتِظْهارُ" in the Hadith refers to seeking support or assistance. It implies turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in times of need, relying on His divine help, and seeking His guidance and protection. It is a reminder for Muslims to recognize that true strength lies in seeking support from Allah alone.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking support from Allah in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:45)

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]

This verse highlights the significance of seeking help through patience and prayer, which are means of connecting with Allah and seeking His assistance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Fatiha, we recite the verse, (1:5)

You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help

This verse reminds us that our worship and seeking of help should be directed solely towards Allah. It reinforces the concept of relying on Allah as the ultimate source of support and guidance.

Imam Ali's statement encourages Muslims to recognize that seeking support from Allah is the most powerful arsenal one can possess. It serves as a reminder that true strength lies in relying on Allah's infinite wisdom, mercy, and power. By turning to Allah in times of need, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and affirm our faith in His ability to provide solutions to our problems.

When we seek support from Allah, we are not only seeking His assistance but also aligning our actions with His divine will. This act of submission and reliance on Allah brings about a profound transformation within ourselves. It strengthens our faith, purifies our intentions, and enhances our connection with the Creator.

Seeking support from Allah also has practical implications in our daily lives. It motivates us to strive for excellence in our actions, knowing that success ultimately comes from Allah. It encourages us to seek knowledge, as the more we learn about Allah's guidance, the better equipped we are to seek His support. It reminds us to engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, supplication, and remembrance of Allah, as these are powerful means of seeking His assistance.

Moreover, seeking support from Allah brings about positive consequences in our lives. It instills within us a sense of tranquility and contentment, knowing that we have placed our trust in the Most Merciful. It empowers us to face challenges with courage and resilience, knowing that Allah is always there to support us. It also strengthens our relationship with Allah, as we develop a deep sense of gratitude and reliance on Him.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's statement, we are reminded of the immense wisdom and knowledge that he possessed. His words serve as a timeless reminder for Muslims to seek support from Allah, recognizing that true strength lies in relying on Him alone. By internalizing this message and implementing it in our lives, we can experience the transformative power of seeking support from Allah and witness the profound impact it has on our faith, actions, and overall well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best arsenal we can possess is seeking support from Allah. It urges Muslims to recognize the importance of relying on Allah in times of need, seeking His guidance, and placing our trust in His infinite wisdom and power. By doing so, we strengthen our faith, align our actions with His divine will, and experience the profound transformation that comes from seeking support from the Creator. May Allah grant us the ability to seek His support and guidance in all aspects of our lives.