Hadith #11293

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, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights three actions that lead to destruction and ruin. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this hadith and explore their implications in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (juro'ah) "جُرْأَةُ", which translates to "boldness" or "audacity." It refers to the act of displaying excessive confidence or fearlessness in front of a ruler or authority figure. This audacity can lead to disastrous consequences, as it undermines the stability and order of society. The Quran warns against such behavior in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 76:

(Quran 28:76)

And Qarun, and Pharaoh, and Haman. And indeed, Moses came to them with clear evidences, but they were arrogant in the land, and they were not outrunners [of Our punishment].

The second word is (aitiman) "ائْتِمَانُ", which means "trusting" or "having faith in." In this context, it refers to placing trust in a disloyal or untrustworthy person. Such trust can be detrimental, as it exposes one to betrayal and deceit. The Quran cautions against placing trust in those who are untrustworthy in Surah Al-Imran, verse 118:

(Quran 3:118)

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.

The third word is (shurbu) "شُرْبُ", which means "tasting" or "drinking." In this context, it refers to the act of consuming poison as an experiment to test its effectiveness. This reckless behavior can have fatal consequences. The Quran emphasizes the importance of preserving one's life and avoiding harm in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195:

(Quran 2:195)

And do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns Muslims against these three actions because of the severe consequences they can have on individuals and society as a whole. Boldness in front of rulers can lead to oppression and chaos, trusting disloyal individuals can result in betrayal and harm, and experimenting with poison can lead to loss of life.

The Imam's thought-provoking words serve as a reminder for Muslims to exercise caution, wisdom, and prudence in their actions. They highlight the importance of adhering to the principles of justice, trustworthiness, and self-preservation. By avoiding these destructive behaviors, Muslims can contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society.

Let us reflect upon this hadith and strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our daily lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the path of righteousness and protect us from actions that lead to ruin.