Hadith #136

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

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he provides us with invaluable guidance on how to protect and strengthen our faith, safeguard our wealth, and seek protection from calamities. Let us delve deeper into the words of this hadith and explore their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first part of the hadith states,

Protect your belief by charity.

The word (سُوسُوا) "susu" in Arabic refers to safeguarding or protecting. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of preserving our faith by engaging in acts of charity. This aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the significance of giving in the way of Allah.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277),

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse highlights the connection between faith, righteous actions, and the act of giving zakah (charity). By giving in charity, we not only fulfill our obligation towards those in need but also strengthen our own faith.

The second part of the hadith states,

Guard your wealth by paying Allah's share.

The word (حَصِّنُوا) "hassino" means to protect or safeguard. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to protect our wealth by fulfilling our duty of paying zakah, which is the rightful share of Allah. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands the believers to give zakah as a means of purifying their wealth and seeking His blessings.

In Surah At-Tawbah (9:103), Allah says,

Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [ Allah 's blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse emphasizes the purification and increase that comes from giving zakah. By fulfilling our obligation of paying zakah, we not only protect our wealth from being consumed by greed but also invite the blessings and increase from Allah.

The third part of the hadith states,

Ward off the waves of calamity by praying.

The word (ادْفَعُوا) "adfa'u" means to repel or ward off. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to seek protection from calamities through supplication and prayer. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to turn to Him in times of distress and seek His help through prayer.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:45), Allah says,

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].

This verse highlights the power of prayer as a means of seeking assistance and finding solace in times of hardship. By turning to Allah in prayer, we not only seek His protection from calamities but also strengthen our connection with Him.

Reflecting on this hadith, we understand that charity, zakah, and prayer are not only acts of worship but also powerful tools for safeguarding our faith, wealth, and well-being. By engaging in acts of charity, we protect our belief and strengthen our faith. By fulfilling our obligation of paying zakah, we safeguard our wealth and invite Allah's blessings. And by turning to Allah in prayer, we seek His protection from calamities and find solace in His presence.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to implement the teachings of this hadith in our lives. May He bless us with the strength to engage in acts of charity, fulfill our obligations of zakah, and seek His protection through prayer. Ameen.