Hadith #10603

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the need for constant vigilance and remorse. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The first word we will explore is (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ", which translates to "himself." This word refers to an individual's inner self, their soul, and their consciousness. It signifies the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness in the life of a Muslim.

The next word is (la yufariqahu) "لايُفارِقَهُ", which means

not to be separated from.

This phrase implies that caution and regret should always be present in the life of a person who truly knows themselves. It highlights the need for these qualities to be an inseparable part of one's character.

The word (al-hathar) "الحَذَرُ" translates to "caution" or "vigilance." It refers to being watchful and alert, especially in matters of faith and morality. This caution is essential to protect oneself from falling into error or sin. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran in Surah Al-Imran, verse 200:

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

The word (an-nadam) "النَّدَمُ" means "regret." It signifies the feeling of remorse and repentance that one experiences after committing a mistake or a sin. This regret is a sign of a sincere heart and a desire for self-improvement. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Tahrim, verse 8:

O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges Muslims to always be cautious and regretful, as a means of safeguarding themselves from the pitfalls of life. This caution and regret should be rooted in the fear of falling into error and straying away from the straight path.

By constantly being aware of our actions, thoughts, and intentions, we can avoid making mistakes and falling into sin. This self-awareness allows us to recognize our weaknesses and seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It also helps us to rectify our behavior and strive for self-improvement.

The consequences of neglecting caution and regret can be severe. Without vigilance, we may unknowingly engage in actions that are displeasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and harmful to ourselves and others. Similarly, without remorse, we may become complacent and fail to seek forgiveness and rectify our mistakes.

On the other hand, embracing caution and regret leads to a life of consciousness and accountability. It motivates us to constantly evaluate our actions and seek forgiveness when we fall short. It fosters humility and a deep sense of gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for His mercy and forgiveness.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of self-awareness, caution, and regret in our journey towards righteousness. It serves as a powerful reminder to constantly evaluate our actions, seek forgiveness, and strive for self-improvement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these qualities and protect us from falling into error.