Hadith #4960

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

There is no preservation more averting [of harm] than security [that is granted by Allah].

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

The word (wiqayah) "وِقايَةَ" in the Hadith refers to preservation or protection. It signifies the act of safeguarding oneself or others from harm or danger. It implies taking precautionary measures to ensure safety and security. The word (amna'u) "أمْنَعُ" means to avert or prevent. It emphasizes the effectiveness of the preservation mentioned earlier in averting harm or danger. Lastly, (as-salamati) "السَّلامَةِ" refers to security or safety. It represents a state of being free from harm, both physically and spiritually.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking His protection and relying on Him for security. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, Allah says, (Quran 2:286)

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reminds us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, knows our capabilities and protects us from burdens that are beyond our capacity. It highlights the concept of divine protection and the assurance that Allah will not burden us with more than we can handle.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 30, Allah says, (Quran 8:30)

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse illustrates the ultimate power and protection of Allah. Despite the plots and schemes of the disbelievers, Allah's plan prevails, ensuring the safety and security of His chosen servants.

Imam Ali's statement in the Hadith highlights the ultimate source of protection and security, which is Allah Himself. It emphasizes that no human effort or worldly means can guarantee absolute safety and security. True preservation lies in seeking the protection of Allah and relying on His divine plan. This understanding aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of putting our trust in Allah and seeking His guidance and protection.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that true security and protection can only be attained through a strong connection with Allah. It reminds us to turn to Him in times of difficulty, seeking His guidance and relying on His divine plan. It also serves as a reminder that no matter how much effort we put into safeguarding ourselves, our ultimate safety lies in the hands of Allah.

This Hadith also highlights the profound knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali possessed immense knowledge and understanding of the Quranic teachings. His statement in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of the Quran and his ability to extract profound meanings from its verses.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true preservation and security can only be attained through seeking the protection of Allah. It emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah's divine plan and trusting in His wisdom. As Muslims, we should strive to strengthen our connection with Allah and seek His guidance and protection in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the understanding and ability to implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.