Hadith #8592

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "Al-Qudra tunsi al-Hafizah." This can be translated as

Power makes one forget [about] self-preservation.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran. The word "Qudra" refers to power or authority, while "Hafizah" means self-preservation or protection. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the tendency of individuals in positions of power to become so consumed by their authority that they neglect their own well-being and the well-being of those under their care.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the dangers of arrogance and the abuse of power. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), Allah says,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and righteousness in positions of authority. Those who are entrusted with power must remember their duty to uphold justice and protect the rights of others. Neglecting this responsibility can lead to corruption and chaos, as mentioned in the verse.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah warns against the arrogance that can accompany power, stating,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

The story of Qarun serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the consequences of abusing power and becoming arrogant. Despite being blessed with immense wealth and authority, Qarun's arrogance led to his downfall. This serves as a reminder that power should be used for the betterment of society, not for personal gain or to oppress others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of self-awareness and humility for those in positions of power. It serves as a reminder that power should not blind individuals to their own vulnerabilities and the needs of those they are responsible for. When leaders prioritize their own interests over the well-being of others, they risk causing harm and injustice.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw lessons for ourselves as Muslims. It reminds us to be cautious of the allure of power and to always strive for humility and selflessness. Whether we hold positions of authority or not, we should remember that true strength lies in serving others and upholding justice. This Hadith encourages us to be mindful of our actions and to constantly evaluate our intentions, ensuring that we do not become consumed by power and neglect our responsibilities towards ourselves and our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to use any power or authority we may have for the betterment of humanity and protect us from the pitfalls of arrogance and neglect.