Hadith #6783

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أظْهَرَ عَزْمَهُ بَطَلَ حَزْمُهُ۔

This Hadith carries a enlightening message about the importance of keeping one's decisions and intentions concealed. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (azhara) "أظْهَرَ" in the Hadith means to reveal or make something known. It refers to the act of openly expressing one's decision or intention to others. On the other hand, (azmah) "عَزْمَهُ" signifies determination or resolve. It represents the strong commitment one has towards a particular course of action.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that when someone openly reveals their decision or intention, their judiciousness or prudence becomes nullified. This implies that the effectiveness and strength of their decision diminishes. Why does this happen? Let us turn to the Quran for guidance.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of concealing one's good deeds and intentions in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 271:

If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you. And Allah will remove from you some of your misdeeds. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.

This verse teaches us that concealing our good deeds and intentions brings about greater rewards and blessings from Allah. It also purifies our intentions, as we are not seeking praise or recognition from others. Similarly, when we openly reveal our decisions or intentions, we may fall into the trap of seeking validation or approval from people, rather than seeking guidance and acceptance from Allah.

Another verse that sheds light on the significance of concealing one's intentions is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8:

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse reminds us that Allah loves those who act justly, regardless of the circumstances. It encourages us to maintain our righteousness and justice towards others, even if they may not share the same religious beliefs. By concealing our intentions, we can ensure that our actions are solely driven by our commitment to justice and righteousness, rather than external influences or expectations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious about openly revealing their decisions or intentions. By keeping our plans and aspirations concealed, we preserve the strength and effectiveness of our judiciousness. This does not mean that we should be secretive or deceptive, but rather that we should seek guidance and support from Allah before sharing our decisions with others.

When we openly reveal our decisions, we may face various challenges and obstacles. People's opinions and judgments can sway us from our original intentions, leading to confusion and doubt. By keeping our decisions private, we can reflect on them, seek guidance from Allah through prayer and contemplation, and ensure that our actions align with our true purpose and values.

Moreover, concealing our decisions allows us to maintain a sense of sincerity and humility. It prevents us from seeking validation or recognition from others, and instead encourages us to seek Allah's pleasure and approval. It reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to please Allah and fulfill our responsibilities as His servants, rather than seeking praise or approval from people.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of concealing our decisions and intentions. By doing so, we preserve the strength and effectiveness of our judiciousness, seek guidance from Allah, and maintain sincerity and humility in our actions. May Allah guide us all to make wise decisions and keep our intentions pure.