Hadith #5963

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

أمْسِكْ عَنْ طَريق إذا خِفْتَ ضَلالَتَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Hold back from [traversing] a path when you fear its deviation.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (amsik) "أمْسِكْ" means to hold back or refrain from something. It implies exercising caution and restraint. The word (tariq) "طَريق" refers to a path or a way. It symbolizes the various choices and decisions we make in our lives. And finally, the word (dallatahu) "ضَلالَتَهُ" means deviation or straying away from the right path.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of following the right path and avoiding deviation. In Surah Al-Fatiha, we recite, (Quran 1:6)

Guide us to the straight path

This verse highlights the need for seeking Allah's guidance to stay on the right path.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against following the footsteps of Satan, who seeks to lead us astray. Allah says, (Quran 35:6)

Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be among the companions of the Blaze

This verse reminds us of the dangers of blindly following any path without considering its consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith advises us to hold back from a path when we fear its deviation. This guidance encourages us to be cautious and discerning in our choices. It urges us to evaluate the potential consequences of our actions and to prioritize the preservation of our faith and righteousness.

For instance, imagine a situation where a Muslim is invited to a gathering that involves activities that may lead to sin or compromise their values. In such a scenario, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises the individual to hold back from attending the event, recognizing the potential deviation it may bring. By doing so, they protect their faith and avoid falling into sinful behavior.

Moreover, this Hadith teaches us the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the teachings of Islam. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His guidance in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of the Quranic principles and his commitment to upholding the true path of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to exercise caution and restraint when faced with choices and decisions in life. It urges us to evaluate the potential deviation of a path and to prioritize our faith and righteousness. By following this guidance, we can navigate through life's challenges while staying on the straight path prescribed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to hold back from any path that may lead us astray.