Hadith #3350

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights a profound observation about human behavior and mindset. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his amazement at those who are unable to defend themselves against the challenges and difficulties that they encounter, yet they feel secure from the very things they fear.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ajibtu) "عَجِبْتُ" means "I am amazed" or

I find it astonishing.

The word (daf') "دَفْعِ" means "warding off" or "repelling." (ma 'arah) "مَا عَرَاهُ" refers to

that which comes upon him

or

the challenges that one faces.

(yaqa'u lahu) "يَقَعُ لَهُ" means "he falls into" or "he encounters." Lastly, (yakhshaahu) "يَخْشَاهُ" means "he fears" or

he is afraid of.

To better understand the message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking strength and protection from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

There is for you an excellent example (to follow) in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people: 'We are clear of you and of whatever ye worship besides Allah: we have rejected you, and there has arisen, between us and you, enmity and hatred for ever,- unless ye believe in Allah and Him alone.'

This verse highlights the importance of standing firm in our beliefs and not compromising our faith for the sake of worldly desires or fears.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) observation. He is amazed at those who are incapable of defending themselves against the challenges and difficulties that they face. Despite their vulnerability, they feel secure from the very things they fear. This observation serves as a reminder for us to assess our own actions and mindset.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the inconsistency in the behavior of individuals who fail to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from harm, yet expect to be safe and secure. It is irrational to fear something and yet not take any measures to protect oneself from it. This inconsistency in mindset can lead to complacency and a false sense of security.

For example, imagine a person who fears failing an exam but does not put in the effort to study and prepare adequately. They may hope for success, but without taking the necessary steps to achieve it, their fear remains unresolved. Similarly, a person who fears the consequences of unhealthy habits but continues to engage in them without making any changes is contradicting themselves.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) observation serves as a reminder for us to take responsibility for our own well-being and to actively work towards resolving the challenges we face. It is not enough to simply hope for safety and security; we must take proactive measures to protect ourselves from harm.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect on their actions and mindset. We are encouraged to take the necessary steps to defend ourselves against the challenges and difficulties that we encounter, rather than relying solely on hope and expecting safety and security without any effort. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to face our fears and overcome the obstacles in our lives.