Hadith #3958

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One of the signs of alternation of power is vigilance in safeguarding affairs.

The word used in the Hadith is (al-yaqdhah) "اليَقْظَةُ", which can be translated as vigilance or wakefulness. It refers to being alert and watchful in protecting and managing the affairs of the state.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of vigilance and alertness in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah says,

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse encourages believers to be steadfast, patient, and watchful in their faith, as well as in their worldly affairs.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah says,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse highlights the importance of verifying information and being cautious before taking any action, especially when it comes to matters that can affect the well-being of others.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be understood in the context of leadership and governance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being a knowledgeable and wise leader, emphasizes the need for vigilance in safeguarding the affairs of the state. This includes being watchful over the actions of those in power, ensuring justice and fairness, and protecting the rights of the people.

Vigilance in governance is crucial because it prevents corruption, abuse of power, and injustice. It ensures that the affairs of the state are managed efficiently and in accordance with the principles of Islam. A vigilant leader is aware of the challenges and threats that may arise and takes proactive measures to address them.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this quality throughout his life. He was known for his keen sense of justice, his ability to identify and address societal issues, and his unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of Islam. His vigilance in safeguarding the affairs of the state ensured the well-being and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah during his caliphate.

The consequences of neglecting vigilance in governance can be detrimental. History has shown us numerous examples of leaders who were not vigilant in safeguarding the affairs of the state, leading to chaos, corruption, and the suffering of the people. Therefore, this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant in selecting and supporting leaders who prioritize the well-being and justice for all.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the affairs of the state. It calls upon Muslims to be watchful and proactive in matters of leadership and governance, ensuring justice, fairness, and the well-being of the people. By being vigilant, we can prevent corruption, abuse of power, and injustice, and establish a just and prosperous society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to be vigilant in all aspects of our lives.