Hadith #6668

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against being deceived by the apparent courtesy or friendliness of our enemies. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares the enemy to water, emphasizing its deceptive nature. Water is essential for life, but it can also be destructive. Similarly, the enemy may appear harmless or even friendly, but their true intentions can be detrimental.

The phrase

even if its heating by fire is prolonged, it is not prevented from extinguishing it

highlights the resilience of the enemy's deceit. Just as fire cannot prevent water from extinguishing it, our efforts to expose the enemy's true intentions may be futile. This Hadith serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and not be swayed by superficial gestures.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the deceitful nature of the enemies of Islam. Allah says, (Quran 2:11-12)

And when it is said to them, 'Do not cause corruption on the earth,' they say, 'We are but reformers.' Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive it not

This verse highlights the hypocrisy of those who claim to be reformers but are actually corrupters. They may present themselves as friendly or well-intentioned, but their true motives are to cause harm and corruption. This aligns with the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, cautioning us against being deceived by the enemy's apparent courtesy.

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of not being fooled by the enemy is found in Surah Al-Imran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:118)

O you who have believed, do not take as intimates those other than yourselves, for they will not spare you [any] ruin. They wish you would have hardship. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater. We have certainly made clear to you the signs, if you will use reason

This verse emphasizes the need for Muslims to be cautious in choosing their companions and allies. It warns against trusting those who harbor hatred and ill intentions towards the believers. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this sentiment, urging us not to be fooled by the enemy's courteousness, as their true intentions may be to harm us.

Reflecting on the wisdom of this Hadith, we can see its relevance in various aspects of life. In personal relationships, it reminds us to be discerning and not blindly trust those who may present themselves as friends but harbor ill intentions. In the political realm, it serves as a reminder to carefully analyze the actions and motives of those who claim to be allies but may have ulterior motives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, which is evident in this Hadith. His profound understanding of human nature and the complexities of relationships enables us to navigate the challenges we face in our lives. May we always seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to protect ourselves from deception and harm.