Hadith #6422

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a powerful statement that reflects his courage, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the cause of Islam. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The phrase

أيْنَ الَّذينَ هَزَمُوا الجُيُوشَ، وسارُوا بِالأُلُوفِ؟!

translates to

Where are those who vanquished the armies and travelled in the thousands?

This statement highlights the valor and military achievements of those who fought alongside Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in various battles. It serves as a call to action, urging Muslims to reflect upon the bravery of those who stood firm in the face of adversity.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:152)

And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing the enemy by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then he turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers

This verse reminds us of the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of challenges and not losing sight of our ultimate goal. It serves as a reminder that victory comes from Allah's permission and is not solely dependent on numerical strength or material resources. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understood this deeply and his statement reflects his disappointment in those who abandoned the path of righteousness after experiencing success.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 8:45-46)

O you who have believed, when you meet a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allah much that you may be successful. And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient

These verses emphasize the importance of unity, obedience, and patience in the face of adversity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) recognized the significance of these qualities and his statement serves as a reminder to Muslims to remain steadfast in their commitment to the cause of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also carries a broader message beyond the context of warfare. It serves as a call to action for Muslims to rise above complacency and strive for excellence in all aspects of life. It encourages us to reflect upon the achievements of our predecessors and to emulate their dedication, perseverance, and unwavering faith.

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

Where are those who vanquished the armies and travelled in the thousands?

serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of courage, unity, and steadfastness in the face of challenges. It urges Muslims to reflect upon the achievements of those who came before us and to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and determination to follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the righteous believers who preceded us.