Hadith #2048

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الْفِرَارُ أحَدُ الذُّلَّيْنِ" which translates to

Fleeing [from the battle field] is one of the two humiliations.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of courage and steadfastness in the face of adversity, particularly in the context of battle.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. (al-firar) "الْفِرَارُ" refers to fleeing or running away from a battle or a confrontation. It implies abandoning one's duty and responsibility in the face of danger. (ahadu) "أحَدُ" means one of, indicating that fleeing is one of the two humiliations. (adh-dhullayn) "الذُّلَّيْنِ" refers to humiliations or disgrace.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of courage and steadfastness in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:15-16), Allah says,

O you who have believed, when you meet those who disbelieve advancing [for battle], do not turn to them your backs [in flight]. And whoever turns his back to them on such a day, unless swerving [as a strategy] for war or joining [another] company, has certainly returned with anger [upon him] from Allah, and his refuge is Hell - and wretched is the destination.

This verse clearly highlights the gravity of fleeing from the battlefield. It is considered a grave sin and a source of divine anger. Allah warns that those who turn their backs on the enemy without a valid reason will face severe consequences, both in this world and the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:17), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And you did not kill them, but it was Allah who killed them. And you threw not, [O Muhammad], when you threw, but it was Allah who threw that He might test the believers with a good test. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse reminds us that victory in battle is ultimately in the hands of Allah. It is not our physical strength or numbers that determine the outcome, but rather our faith, determination, and reliance on Allah. Fleeing from the battlefield demonstrates a lack of trust in Allah's power and a failure to fulfill our duty as Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims that fleeing from the battlefield is a form of humiliation. It is a betrayal of our faith, our community, and our duty to defend justice and truth. By choosing to flee, we not only dishonor ourselves but also undermine the collective strength and unity of the Muslim Ummah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified unwavering courage and steadfastness in numerous battles, such as the Battle of Uhud and the Battle of Khaybar. His knowledge, bravery, and unwavering commitment to Islam made him a role model for all Muslims.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we must strive to cultivate within ourselves the qualities of courage, determination, and resilience. We should never allow fear or self-interest to overshadow our duty to stand up for justice and defend the truth. Instead, we should draw strength from our faith in Allah and the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of courage and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Fleeing from the battlefield is considered one of the two humiliations, as it demonstrates a lack of faith, trust in Allah, and commitment to our duty as Muslims. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to always remain steadfast and courageous in upholding justice and defending the truth.