Hadith #5075

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, and his noble companions.

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

آفَةُ الشُّجاعِ إضاعَةُ الْحَزْمِ

which translates to

The bane of courage is loss of resolve.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of maintaining steadfastness and determination in the face of challenges and difficulties.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (bane) "آفَةُ" refers to something that causes harm or destruction. (courage) "الشُّجاعِ" refers to bravery, fearlessness, and the ability to confront and overcome obstacles. (loss) "إضاعَةُ" refers to the act of wasting or squandering. And finally, (resolve) "الْحَزْمِ" refers to determination, firmness, and unwavering commitment.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46),

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 importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, as well as the detrimental consequences of disputes and disagreements. When Muslims engage in unnecessary arguments and conflicts, their courage diminishes, and their strength wanes. This loss of resolve weakens their ability to face challenges and fulfill their responsibilities as Muslims.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:200), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 persevere, endure, and remain steadfast in their faith. It highlights the importance of maintaining resolve and determination in order to attain success in this life and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that while courage is commendable, it must be accompanied by unwavering resolve. Courage without resolve can lead to wasted opportunities, missed goals, and a lack of fulfillment. When one lacks determination, they may falter in the face of adversity, lose sight of their objectives, and become easily swayed by distractions and temptations.

For example, imagine a Muslim who possesses great courage but lacks resolve. They may initially stand up for justice and truth, but when faced with challenges or opposition, they may lose their determination and abandon their cause. This loss of resolve can lead to a weakened impact and a failure to achieve meaningful change.

On the other hand, a Muslim who combines courage with resolve remains steadfast in their beliefs and principles. They are not easily deterred by obstacles or setbacks. Their determination fuels their actions and enables them to persevere through difficulties, ultimately leading to success and positive outcomes.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the bane of courage is the loss of resolve. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining unwavering determination in the face of challenges and difficulties. By combining courage with resolve, we can overcome obstacles, fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims, and achieve success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and steadfastness to embody this valuable lesson.