Hadith #5073

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

It is to the extent of [one’s] zeal that courage is shown.

This Hadith highlights the relationship between zeal and courage. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith.

The word (hamiyah) "حَمِيَّةِ" refers to zeal, fervor, or passion. It signifies a strong and intense desire to achieve a particular goal. It is this zeal that drives individuals to take action and demonstrate courage in the face of challenges. The word (shajā'ah) "شَّجاعَةُ" means courage or bravery. It is the quality of being fearless and bold in the face of danger or adversity.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:78),

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of exerting effort and striving in the path of Allah. It is through this striving that one can demonstrate courage and overcome challenges.

Furthermore, 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 highlights the connection between obedience to Allah and His Messenger and the preservation of courage. Disputes and disagreements can weaken one's resolve and diminish their courage. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain unity and patience to uphold courage.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the level of our zeal and passion determines the extent of our courage. When we are deeply committed to a cause, whether it is for the sake of Allah or for the betterment of society, we are more likely to display courage in the face of adversity. This courage can manifest in various ways, such as speaking out against injustice, standing up for the truth, or defending the weak and oppressed.

For example, during the Battle of Uhud, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) demonstrated immense courage and zeal for the sake of Islam. Despite being outnumbered and facing great danger, he fearlessly defended the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Muslim community. His unwavering commitment and passion for the cause of Islam propelled him to display extraordinary acts of bravery.

The consequences of embodying this Hadith are profound. When Muslims possess zeal and courage, they become a force for positive change in society. They are not deterred by obstacles or threats, but rather, they face them head-on with determination and resilience. This courage inspires others and instills a sense of hope and confidence in the hearts of believers.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing our zeal and passion for the sake of Allah. We should strive to develop a deep love for Allah and His religion, which will in turn ignite our courage to stand up for truth and justice. Let us emulate the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to be courageous Muslims, driven by our zeal for the sake of Allah and the betterment of humanity. May Allah grant us the strength and courage to embody this Hadith in our lives.