Hadith #6683

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الواحِدُ مِنَ الأعْداءِ كَثيرٌ۔

This Hadith is a concise statement that carries a enlightening message. Let us delve into the meaning and implications of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (al-wahid) "الواحِدُ" in this Hadith means "one" or "single." It refers to the fact that even a single enemy can pose a significant threat. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the potential danger that lies in the enmity of even a solitary individual. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should not underestimate the harm that can be caused by a lone adversary.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among Muslims in pursuing righteousness and avoiding sin and aggression. It reminds us that even a single enemy can disrupt this unity and cooperation, leading to division and discord within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the need for Muslims to remain united and steadfast in the face of challenges. It warns against engaging in disputes and divisions that can weaken the Muslim community and make them vulnerable to external threats.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that even a single enemy can have far-reaching consequences. The enmity of one individual can sow seeds of discord, weaken the bonds of brotherhood, and create divisions within the Muslim community. This can lead to a loss of strength, unity, and the ability to face external challenges.

To illustrate the significance of this Hadith, let us consider an example. Imagine a Muslim community that is known for its unity, cooperation, and strength. However, a single individual harbors enmity towards the community and spreads false rumors and accusations. This individual's actions can create doubt, suspicion, and division among the members of the community. As a result, the once-united community becomes fragmented, loses its strength, and becomes vulnerable to external threats.

The consequences of underestimating the harm that can be caused by a single enemy are not limited to the immediate impact on the Muslim community. They can also have long-term consequences for the overall well-being of the ummah. When Muslims are divided and weakened, they become less effective in promoting justice, spreading the message of Islam, and standing up against oppression and injustice.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims should be vigilant and cautious of any signs of enmity or division within their communities. They should strive to foster unity, cooperation, and strong bonds of brotherhood, as these are the foundations of a strong and resilient Muslim community. By recognizing the potential harm that can be caused by even a single enemy, Muslims can take proactive measures to protect their unity, preserve their strength, and uphold the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that even a single enemy can pose a significant threat. It emphasizes the importance of unity, cooperation, and vigilance within the Muslim community. By reflecting on this Hadith and seeking guidance from the Quran, Muslims can strive to build strong, united communities that are resilient in the face of challenges. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to recognize and address the enmity that may arise within our communities.