Hadith #6170

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to remain humble and cautious, even in times of triumph and success. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (zafar) "ظَفَرِ" in Arabic refers to victory or triumph. It signifies achieving success or overcoming an opponent. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to become vain or arrogant due to our victories. This warning is crucial because arrogance can lead to pride, which is condemned in Islam. The Imam reminds us that our victories are not permanent and that we should not feel secure from the inevitable passage of time.

To support this exegesis, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns against arrogance and the false sense of security it brings. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 37, Allah says,

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.

This verse emphasizes the transitory nature of worldly achievements and cautions against arrogance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 83, Allah says,

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking the eternal abode of the Hereafter rather than seeking worldly fame and power. It reminds us that true success lies in righteousness and humility, not in the temporary victories of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice carries profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to remain grounded and humble, regardless of their achievements. It teaches us that victory is not a guarantee of everlasting success, as time has the power to erode even the most triumphant moments. By recognizing the fleeting nature of worldly victories, we are encouraged to focus on the pursuit of righteousness and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

This Hadith also serves as a reflection of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) immense knowledge and wisdom. His deep understanding of the human psyche and the transient nature of worldly affairs allows him to guide Muslims towards a balanced and humble approach to success. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) own life is a testament to his embodiment of these principles, as he remained steadfast in his humility and devotion to Allah throughout his remarkable achievements.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to remain humble and cautious, even in times of victory. It warns against the dangers of arrogance and the false sense of security it brings. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly success and focusing on the pursuit of righteousness, we can attain true success in the eyes of Allah. May we all strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek refuge in the eternal victory of the Hereafter.