Hadith #2030

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a powerful and impactful saying that calls upon Muslims to defend themselves, fight for justice, and be prepared to sacrifice their lives for the sake of Allah. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (nafihu) "نافِحُوا", which means "defend" or "protect." This word emphasizes the need for Muslims to actively defend themselves and their faith when faced with oppression or aggression. It is a call to stand up against injustice and to protect the values and principles of Islam. This concept of self-defense is supported by the Quran, where Allah says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:39):

Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory.

The second important word is (thub) "الظُّبى", which refers to the edge or sharpness of a blade. It symbolizes the strength and effectiveness of a weapon in battle. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies the need for Muslims to be prepared and equipped to defend themselves against any form of aggression. This concept of being prepared for self-defense is echoed in the Quran, where Allah says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:60):

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy.

The third important word is (silu) "صِلُوا", which means "charge forward" or "advance." It signifies the need for Muslims to take proactive measures in defending their faith and fighting against injustice. It implies that Muslims should not passively wait for the enemy to attack, but rather, they should take the initiative and confront the enemy head-on. This concept of proactive defense is supported by the Quran, where Allah says in Surah Al-Furqan (25:52):

So do not obey the disbelievers and strive against them with the Qur'an a great striving.

The fourth important word is (suyuf) "السُّيُوفَ", which means "swords." It represents the physical means of defense and signifies the readiness to engage in battle if necessary. However, it is important to note that the use of swords here should be understood in its broader context, encompassing all means of defense and resistance against oppression. The Quran emphasizes the importance of self-defense and resistance against aggression in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190):

And fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

The fifth important word is (tayyibu) "طيبُوا", which means "give up" or "sacrifice." It implies that Muslims should be willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of Allah and the greater good. This concept of sacrificing one's life for the sake of Allah is deeply rooted in the Quran, where Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195):

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

The final important word is (imshu) "امْشُوا", which means "walk" or "move." It signifies the need for Muslims to face death with calmness and composure, without fear or hesitation. It reflects the courage and steadfastness that Muslims should embody when confronted with the prospect of sacrificing their lives for the sake of Allah. This concept of facing death with courage is beautifully described in the Quran, where Allah says in Surah Al-Imran (3:169):

And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims of the importance of self-defense, proactive resistance against injustice, and the willingness to sacrifice one's life for the sake of Allah. It calls upon Muslims to be prepared, courageous, and steadfast in the face of oppression. This Hadith is in complete harmony with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of self-defense, resistance against aggression, and the ultimate reward for those who sacrifice their lives in the cause of Allah. May Allah guide us all to uphold these principles and grant us the strength to defend our faith and stand up against injustice.