Hadith #8167

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 righteous companions.

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

كُلُّ غالِب غَيْرُ اللّهِ مَغْلُوبٌ۔

This thought-provoking saying translates to,

Every victor other than Allah, is vanquished.

Let us delve into the depths of this Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (ghalib) "غالِب" in this Hadith refers to a victor or someone who overcomes and prevails over others. It signifies a person who achieves success or triumphs in a particular endeavor. On the other hand, the word (maghlub) "مَغْلُوب" means vanquished or defeated. It represents the state of being overcome or overpowered by someone else.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can refer to several Quranic verses that shed light on the concept of victory and defeat. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:26),

Say, 'O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent.'

This verse emphasizes that all authority and power ultimately belong to Allah alone. He grants victory and sovereignty to whom He wills and takes it away from whom He wills. No matter how powerful or triumphant someone may appear in this world, their victory is temporary and subject to the will of Allah. Ultimately, everyone will be held accountable before Him.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights the importance of justice and fairness in dealing with others, even those who may not share the same beliefs or values. It reminds us that true victory lies not in overpowering others, but in upholding justice and righteousness. Those who act justly and treat others with kindness and respect are the ones who attain true success in the sight of Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the deeper meaning of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. It serves as a reminder that any victory achieved by individuals or nations in this world is transient and fleeting. No matter how powerful or successful one may become, their triumph is ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of things. True and everlasting victory can only be attained by submitting to the will of Allah and striving to please Him in all aspects of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that the ultimate victor is Allah Himself. He is the one who has complete control over all affairs and is the source of all power and authority. Any victory achieved by human beings is merely a reflection of the power and will of Allah. It is a reminder for us to remain humble and recognize our dependence on Him.

This Hadith also serves as a warning against arrogance and pride. When individuals or nations become consumed by their own victories and achievements, they often forget their true purpose in life and lose sight of the values of justice, compassion, and humility. Such arrogance can lead to their downfall and eventual defeat.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true victory lies in submitting to the will of Allah and upholding justice and righteousness. Any victory achieved by human beings is temporary and subject to the will of Allah. It is a reminder to remain humble and to recognize that all power and authority ultimately belong to Allah alone. May we strive to attain true success in the sight of Allah by embodying the qualities of justice, compassion, and humility in all aspects of our lives.