Hadith #1394

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "فيِ الأناةِ السَّلامَةُ۔" This can be translated as,

In deliberateness there is safety.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith in the light of the Quran.

The word (ana) "أناة" in this Hadith refers to deliberateness, careful consideration, and thoughtfulness. It implies taking the time to reflect, analyze, and make wise decisions. It is a quality that encompasses patience, mindfulness, and prudence. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that in this quality lies safety and security.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that highlight the importance of deliberation and careful consideration. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:100)

O you who have believed, if you obey a group of those who were given the Scripture, they would turn you back, after your belief, [to being] unbelievers. And how could you disbelieve while to you are being recited the verses of Allah and among you is His Messenger? And whoever holds firmly to Allah has [indeed] been guided to a straight path.

This verse emphasizes the importance of carefully considering the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) before blindly following the opinions of others. It encourages Muslims to be deliberate in their choices and to hold firmly to the teachings of Islam. By doing so, they will be guided to the straight path and protected from straying into disbelief.

Another verse that supports the concept of deliberateness is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:208)

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse urges Muslims to enter into peace wholeheartedly and not to be swayed by the temptations and whispers of Satan. It encourages them to be deliberate in their pursuit of peace and to avoid any actions that may lead them astray. By being mindful and cautious, they can protect themselves from the traps of the enemy.

Now, let us reflect on the thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

In deliberateness there is safety.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of taking the time to carefully consider our actions, decisions, and choices. It encourages us to be mindful of the consequences that may arise from our words and deeds.

When we rush into making decisions without proper deliberation, we may fall into pitfalls and make mistakes that could have been avoided. By being deliberate, we can avoid hasty judgments, impulsive actions, and regretful outcomes. Deliberateness allows us to weigh the pros and cons, consider different perspectives, and make informed choices that align with the teachings of Islam.

For example, in our interactions with others, being deliberate helps us choose our words wisely, avoiding hurtful or offensive speech. It allows us to respond to conflicts with calmness and patience, rather than reacting impulsively and escalating the situation. By practicing deliberateness, we can foster harmonious relationships and promote peace within our communities.

Furthermore, in matters of faith and spirituality, deliberateness enables us to deepen our understanding of Islam. It encourages us to seek knowledge, reflect on the Quranic teachings, and contemplate the wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By being deliberate in our pursuit of knowledge, we can strengthen our faith, avoid misconceptions, and safeguard ourselves from deviant ideologies.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

In deliberateness there is safety,

reminds us of the importance of thoughtful consideration and prudence in our actions and decisions. By being deliberate, we can navigate through life with wisdom, avoiding unnecessary risks and pitfalls. Let us strive to embody this quality in our daily lives, seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be deliberate and find safety in our choices.