Hadith #1519

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا أشْجَعَ مِنْ بَريء۔

This can be translated as,

No one is more courageous than an innocent person.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (bari') "بريء" in this Hadith refers to an innocent person, someone who is free from guilt, blame, or wrongdoing. It signifies a person who is pure in heart, devoid of any malice or ill intentions. This innocence is not just in the eyes of society, but also in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Such a person possesses a level of courage that surpasses all others.

To understand the significance of this statement, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights the immense courage displayed by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the face of adversity. Despite the plots and schemes of the disbelievers, he remained steadfast and resolute in his mission.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, as well as the need to avoid disputes and disagreements that can weaken one's resolve and courage.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the true essence of courage. He recognized that true courage lies not in physical strength or aggression, but in the purity of one's heart and intentions. An innocent person, free from the shackles of sin and wrongdoing, possesses a unique kind of courage that stems from their unwavering faith and trust in Allah.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for purity of heart and intention. It encourages us to be courageous in our pursuit of righteousness, justice, and truth. It teaches us that true courage is not measured by physical prowess or bravado, but by the strength of our faith and the sincerity of our actions.

When we embody the qualities of an innocent person, we become fearless in the face of adversity. We are not swayed by the opinions of others, nor are we deterred by the challenges that come our way. Our courage stems from our unwavering belief in Allah's guidance and our commitment to upholding His commandments.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of maintaining our innocence and purity in a world that often encourages deception, corruption, and immorality. It serves as a motivation for us to strive for righteousness and to distance ourselves from sinful actions and intentions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true courage lies in the innocence and purity of one's heart. It encourages us to strive for righteousness and to distance ourselves from sin and wrongdoing. By embodying the qualities of an innocent person, we can become fearless in the face of adversity and steadfast in our pursuit of truth and justice. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and courage to follow the path of the innocent ones.