Hadith #4957

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

One who wishes for security keeps himself steadfast on the straight path.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (raghiba) "رَغِبَ" in Arabic means to desire or wish for something. In this context, it refers to the inner longing and aspiration for security and safety. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of this desire for peace and tranquility in one's life.

To achieve this desired state of security, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (al-istiqamah) "الاِسْتِقامَةَ", which translates to steadfastness or being upright. This entails maintaining a consistent and unwavering commitment to the straight path, the path of righteousness and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The concept of istiqamah is beautifully highlighted in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am, verse 153:

And, [O Muhammad], this is My path, which is straight, so follow it. And do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous.

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of adhering to the straight path, which is His path. By following this path, we attain righteousness and draw closer to Him. Deviating from this path leads to separation from His guidance and can result in spiritual and moral decline.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 208, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse reminds us of the importance of entering into peace wholeheartedly. It urges us to distance ourselves from the whispers and temptations of Satan, who seeks to lead us astray from the path of righteousness and peace. By remaining steadfast on the straight path, we protect ourselves from the harmful influences that can disrupt our peace and security.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the desire for security and peace can only be fulfilled through steadfastness on the straight path. This steadfastness requires a conscious effort to align our actions, thoughts, and intentions with the teachings of Islam. It means adhering to the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness in all aspects of our lives.

By embodying the qualities of istiqamah, we become a source of peace and security for ourselves and those around us. Our steadfastness on the straight path serves as a guiding light, inspiring others to seek the same path and fostering a harmonious and peaceful society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true security and peace can only be attained by remaining steadfast on the straight path. This requires a sincere desire for peace and a commitment to righteousness. By following the guidance of the Quran and embodying the qualities of istiqamah, we can achieve the desired state of security and become beacons of peace in our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to remain steadfast on the straight path and attain the ultimate peace and security in this life and the Hereafter.