Hadith #11408

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الهيبة خيبة" which translates to

Dread is [a cause of] failure.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for us as Muslims.

Let us first understand the key words in this Hadith. (al-haybah) "الهيبة" refers to a feeling of awe, respect, or fear that one inspires in others. It is a sense of authority and power that commands reverence. (khibah) "خيبة" means failure or disappointment.

To further explore the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:175),

It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. So, fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.

This verse highlights the importance of fearing Allah alone and not being swayed by the fear of others. It reminds us that true success lies in having awe and reverence for Allah, rather than being preoccupied with the opinions or actions of others.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse emphasizes the importance of having a strong love and reverence for Allah, as it is the foundation of true faith. When we prioritize the fear and love of Allah over any worldly authority or power, we strengthen our faith and find success in His eyes.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Dread is [a cause of] failure,

serves as a profound reminder for us as Muslims. It highlights the danger of allowing the fear of others to dictate our actions and decisions. When we become overly concerned with what others think or say about us, we may compromise our principles, values, and faith. This fear can lead to failure in both this world and the hereafter.

For example, if a Muslim refrains from openly practicing their faith due to the fear of societal backlash or discrimination, they may miss out on the blessings and rewards that come with openly expressing their devotion to Allah. Similarly, if a Muslim compromises their moral values in order to gain the approval or acceptance of others, they may find themselves feeling empty and dissatisfied, as they have strayed from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges us to prioritize the fear and love of Allah above all else. It encourages us to seek His pleasure and approval, rather than seeking validation from others. When we have a deep sense of awe and reverence for Allah, it strengthens our faith, guides our actions, and protects us from the pitfalls of worldly fears and desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that allowing the fear of others to control us is a recipe for failure. True success lies in having a deep sense of awe and reverence for Allah, prioritizing His pleasure above all else. By focusing on our relationship with Allah and seeking His approval, we can navigate through life with steadfastness, integrity, and unwavering faith. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome our fears and find success in this world and the hereafter.