Hadith #5203

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he warns the Muslims to be cautious of the enemy of Allah, Iblīs. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be aware of Iblīs' tactics, as he seeks to infect us with his evil and entice us with his cavalry and infantry. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that Iblīs has aimed at us with the arrow of false threats and has shot at us from close range.

To fully comprehend the depth and significance of this Hadith, it is important to analyze the key words and phrases used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Firstly, the term "عَدُوَّ اللّهِ" refers to the enemy of Allah, Iblīs. This highlights the fact that Iblīs is not only an adversary to humanity but also an enemy of Allah Himself. Secondly, the word "دائِهِ" translates to

his disease [of evil].

This signifies that Iblīs spreads his evil and corruption like a contagious disease, infecting the hearts and minds of individuals.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about Iblīs' ability to entice us with his cavalry and infantry. This metaphorical language emphasizes the various strategies and temptations that Iblīs employs to mislead and divert us from the path of righteousness. His cavalry represents the powerful and influential forces that he uses to attack and weaken our faith, while his infantry symbolizes the subtle and deceptive tactics he employs to lure us towards sin and disobedience.

To further understand the consequences of falling into Iblīs' traps, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-A'raf (7:27) about the whisperings of Iblīs, saying,

O children of Adam, let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise, stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils allies to those who do not believe.

This verse highlights the consequences of succumbing to Iblīs' temptations, as he was successful in leading Adam and Eve astray from Paradise. It serves as a reminder that Iblīs and his followers are constantly observing and seeking opportunities to misguide us. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and cautious, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further warns us that Iblīs has aimed at us with the arrow of false threats and has shot at us from close range. This imagery signifies Iblīs' relentless efforts to intimidate and deceive us. He uses false threats and fears to weaken our resolve and hinder our progress in the path of righteousness. However, we must remember that these threats are merely illusions, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us in Surah Al-Imran (3:175),

It is only the Shaytan that suggests to you the fear of his allies; so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are believers.

This verse reminds us that the true source of fear and reverence should be Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. Iblīs and his allies can only harm us if we allow ourselves to be swayed by their false threats and intimidation. Therefore, we must strengthen our faith and seek protection from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) against the whispers and temptations of Iblīs.

In conclusion, this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the enemy of Allah, Iblīs. It highlights the various strategies and tactics employed by Iblīs to mislead and corrupt us. By understanding the depth and consequences of falling into Iblīs' traps, we can strive to protect ourselves from his evil influences and remain steadfast in our faith. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to resist the temptations of Iblīs and to seek His guidance and protection.