Hadith #4056

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,

مَنْ أشْفَقَ على دينِهِ سَلِمَ مِنَ الرَّدى۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being cautious and concerned about one's religion in order to safeguard oneself from destruction.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ashfaq) "أشْفَقَ" comes from the root word (shafaqa) "شَفَقَ", which means to be cautious, to fear, or to be concerned. It implies a sense of vigilance and mindfulness towards one's faith. The word (deenih) "دينِهِ" refers to one's religion, encompassing all aspects of faith, belief, and practice. And the word (arrad) "الرَّدى" refers to destruction, ruin, or calamity.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of righteousness and piety in the sight of Allah. It emphasizes that the true measure of nobility lies not in one's lineage or social status, but in their level of righteousness. Therefore, being cautious and concerned about one's religion is a means to attain righteousness and elevate one's status in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse reminds us of the fleeting nature of time and the inherent loss that humanity faces. However, it also provides hope by highlighting the exception to this loss - those who believe in Allah, perform righteous deeds, and enjoin one another to truth and patience. This verse emphasizes the importance of being cautious and concerned about our religion, as it is through faith, good deeds, and sincere advice that we can safeguard ourselves from destruction.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their religion and be vigilant in safeguarding it. It encourages us to be mindful of our actions, beliefs, and choices, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the calamities and destruction that may result from neglecting our faith.

For instance, being cautious about our religion means being mindful of our prayers, ensuring that we perform them with sincerity and devotion. It means being conscious of our interactions with others, treating them with kindness, respect, and justice. It means being vigilant about the sources of knowledge we rely on, seeking authentic and reliable sources that align with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah.

The consequences of being cautious and concerned about our religion are far-reaching. It leads to a life of righteousness, piety, and moral uprightness. It strengthens our relationship with Allah and brings us closer to attaining His pleasure. It also serves as a means of guidance for others, as our actions and character become a reflection of the beauty and wisdom of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being cautious and concerned about our religion. It reminds us that by prioritizing our faith, being vigilant in our actions, and aligning ourselves with the teachings of Islam, we can safeguard ourselves from destruction. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to be mindful of our religion and protect us from any harm or calamity.