Hadith #9283

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of exercising restraint and self-control during times of confusion and misguidance. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (kaffa) "كَفَّ" in Arabic refers to restraint or holding back. It implies the act of controlling one's desires, emotions, and actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of exercising this restraint during the state of (hayrat al-dalal) "حَيْرَةِ الضَّلالِ", which can be translated as the confusion or perplexity of misguidance.

To understand the importance of restraint during such times, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse encourages Muslims to exercise restraint and not act impulsively when faced with misleading information or rumors. It emphasizes the need to verify the authenticity of such information before taking any action that may harm others or lead to regret.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises in Surah Al-Isra (17:36),

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before making judgments or taking actions. It encourages Muslims to exercise restraint and refrain from pursuing matters that they do not have sufficient knowledge about. This restraint helps prevent falling into the trap of misguidance and making decisions based on incomplete or false information.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the consequences of not exercising restraint during times of confusion and misguidance. He states that it is better to exercise restraint than to embark on (rukub al-ahwal) "رُكُوبِ الأهْوالِ", which can be translated as embarking on terrors or calamities.

This notion is echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:87), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, do not prohibit the good things which Allah has made lawful to you and do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

This verse advises Muslims to exercise restraint and not transgress the boundaries set by Allah. It warns against embarking on actions that may lead to calamities or terrors, both in this world and in the hereafter. By exercising restraint, Muslims can avoid the negative consequences of their actions and protect themselves from falling into misguidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in times of confusion and misguidance. It urges us to exercise restraint, seek knowledge, and refrain from acting impulsively. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the pitfalls of misguidance and make informed decisions that align with the teachings of Islam.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to exercise restraint during times of confusion and misguidance. May He guide us on the straight path and protect us from falling into the traps of misguidance. Ameen.