Hadith #6686

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 our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لاتَأمَنْ عَدُوّاً وإنْ شَكَرَ۔

This can be translated into English as:

Do not consider yourself safe from an enemy, even if he is grateful.

In this profound statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and cautious, even in the presence of someone who may appear to be friendly or grateful. The word (enemy) "عَدُوّاً" refers to someone who harbors ill intentions or poses a threat, while (grateful) "شَكَرَ" denotes someone who expresses gratitude or appreciation.

To understand the depth of this statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 30:

And [remember, O Muhammad], when the disbelievers 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 highlights the reality that enemies may disguise their true intentions and plot against the believers. It serves as a reminder that we should never let our guard down, even if someone appears to be grateful or friendly. Allah's plans are far superior to any human scheme, and we must always seek His protection and guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises the believers:

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with justice and righteousness, even if they do not share our beliefs or values. It is essential to maintain a balanced approach and not let our guard down, as the potential for harm may still exist.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. Just because someone expresses gratitude or appears friendly does not necessarily mean that they have our best interests at heart. It is crucial to exercise caution and remain vigilant, especially in matters that concern our faith, security, and well-being.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, which he acquired through his close association with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his deep understanding of the Quran. His words carry weight and provide valuable guidance for Muslims of all generations.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be cautious and not to let our guard down, even in the presence of someone who may appear grateful or friendly. It serves as a reminder to seek Allah's protection and guidance at all times, and to never underestimate the potential harm that can come from those who harbor ill intentions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern between genuine friendship and hidden enmity, and protect us from all harm.