Hadith #842

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to be cautious and vigilant in our relationships with others. The words used in this Hadith carry significant meanings that require deeper exploration.

The first word to highlight is (Iyyaka) "أياك", which translates to "be careful" or "beware." This word emphasizes the importance of paying attention and being cautious in our actions. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of the potential dangers that can arise in our interactions with others.

The next word is (tukhda'a) "تُخْدَعَ", which means "to be cheated" or "deceived." This word warns us about the possibility of being misled or taken advantage of by our friends. It reminds us to be discerning and not blindly trust others without verifying their intentions and actions.

The third word is (sadeeqika) "صَدِيقِكَ", which refers to "your friend." Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) specifically highlights the potential betrayal that can come from those closest to us. It serves as a reminder that even our closest companions may not always have our best interests at heart.

The fourth word is (tughlab) "تُغْلَبَ", which means "to be overcome" or "defeated." This word cautions us against being overpowered or defeated by our enemies. It reminds us to be strong and resilient in the face of adversity, to stand firm in our beliefs and principles.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:30),

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse reminds us that even the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) faced plots and schemes from his enemies, but Allah's plan ultimately prevailed. It teaches us to trust in Allah's wisdom and to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:118), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, do not take as intimates those other than yourselves, for they will not spare you [any] ruin. They wish you would have hardship. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater. We have certainly made clear to you the signs, if you will use reason.

This verse warns us about the dangers of placing our trust in those who do not share our values and beliefs. It reminds us to be cautious in choosing our companions and to seek those who will support and uplift us in our journey towards righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is a timeless reminder for all Muslims. It urges us to be vigilant in our relationships, to be discerning in our trust, and to remain steadfast in the face of challenges. By heeding this advice, we can protect ourselves from being deceived by those we consider friends and from being overcome by our enemies. It is a call to maintain balance, wisdom, and integrity in all our interactions, ensuring that we are not swayed by the whims and desires of others.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely and the strength to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. May He protect us from the deceit of others and guide us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.