Hadith #1608

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 noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The worst of countries is the country in which there is neither peace nor productivity.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of two key elements for a prosperous and successful society: peace and productivity.

Let us first explore the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (bilad) "بِلادِ" refers to countries or lands. The word (amn) "أمْنَ" means peace, security, and tranquility. And the word (khisb) "خِصْبَ" denotes productivity, fertility, and abundance.

To understand the significance of peace and productivity, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of these concepts. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 208, Allah says,

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse highlights the necessity of peace and encourages believers to strive for it in all aspects of life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 57, Allah says,

And He it is who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy until, when they have carried heavy rainclouds, We drive them to a dead land and We send down rain therein and bring forth thereby [some] of all the fruits. Thus will We bring forth the dead; perhaps you may be reminded.

This verse emphasizes the importance of productivity and fertility in the land, which leads to the growth and sustenance of life.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that the worst of countries is the one that lacks both peace and productivity. This means that a country that is plagued by conflict, violence, and instability, and at the same time lacks economic growth, development, and prosperity, is considered the worst.

When there is no peace in a country, the social fabric is torn apart, and people live in constant fear and uncertainty. This not only hampers their personal well-being but also hinders the progress of the society as a whole. Peace is the foundation upon which all other aspects of life can thrive, including education, economy, and social cohesion.

Similarly, when a country lacks productivity, it faces numerous challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and scarcity of resources. Productivity is essential for the growth and development of a nation. It ensures the availability of basic necessities, creates employment opportunities, and fosters innovation and progress.

The consequences of a country devoid of peace and productivity are dire. Such a nation becomes a breeding ground for social unrest, poverty, and despair. It hampers the potential of its people and stifles their aspirations. It also creates an environment where injustice, corruption, and inequality flourish.

Conversely, a country that prioritizes peace and productivity experiences numerous benefits. Peace allows for the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities, fostering unity and cooperation. It creates an atmosphere conducive to education, innovation, and progress. Productivity, on the other hand, ensures the well-being and prosperity of its citizens, leading to a higher standard of living and a thriving economy.

As Muslims, we are called upon to strive for peace and productivity in our societies. We must work towards resolving conflicts, promoting justice, and fostering an environment of tranquility. Simultaneously, we should strive to enhance productivity by utilizing our resources wisely, investing in education and technology, and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of peace and productivity in a country. It serves as a reminder that a nation can only prosper and flourish when it prioritizes these two fundamental elements. As Muslims, we should strive to create societies that are characterized by peace, justice, and productivity, thereby fulfilling the vision of a prosperous and harmonious world. May Allah guide us on this path and grant us success.