Hadith #8058

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

جِماعُ الغُرُورِ فِي الاِسْتِنامَةِ إلَى العَدُوِّ

which translates to

The consolidation of delusion is in sleeping with ease in the presence of the enemy.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the danger of complacency and underestimating the enemy, both in physical battles and in the broader context of life.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of some important words. The word (consolidation) "جِماعُ" refers to the act of coming together or uniting. (delusion) "الغُرُورِ" signifies a false perception or belief that leads one astray from the truth. (sleeping with ease) "الاِسْتِنامَةِ" refers to a state of relaxation and comfort, where one feels secure and at ease. Finally, (the enemy) "العَدُوِّ" represents any force or entity that opposes or threatens one's well-being.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Imran (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 importance of being cautious and not placing undue trust in those who are not part of our community. It reminds us that enemies can disguise their true intentions and may even wish harm upon us. Therefore, it is crucial to remain vigilant and not be deceived by their false appearances.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse highlights the importance of recognizing the strategies and plans of the enemy. It serves as a reminder that while we may face challenges and opposition, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate planner, and His wisdom surpasses all. Therefore, we should not become complacent or overly confident, but rather remain cautious and seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our endeavors.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The consolidation of delusion refers to the dangerous state of being deceived by false perceptions and beliefs. It is a state where one becomes complacent and fails to recognize the true nature and intentions of the enemy. This can lead to disastrous consequences, both in physical battles and in various aspects of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, warns us against underestimating the enemy. He reminds us that true strength lies in remaining vigilant and alert, even in times of apparent ease and comfort. Just as one should not sleep with ease in the presence of a physical enemy, one should not become complacent in the face of challenges and opposition in life.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be aware of the dangers of complacency and to always remain vigilant in the face of adversity. It teaches us the importance of continuously seeking knowledge, understanding the plans of our adversaries, and relying on Allah's guidance in all our endeavors.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the significance of remaining vigilant and not being deceived by false perceptions and beliefs. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to be cautious and aware of the strategies of the enemy, both in physical battles and in the broader context of life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to always remain vigilant and steadfast in our faith.