Hadith #1172

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) emphasizes the importance of not dwelling in fear when one has found a path to security. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (intelligent) "عاقل", (fear) "خوف", and (security) "أمن". The word "عاقل" refers to a person who possesses intellect and wisdom. It is important to note that intelligence is not limited to intellectual capacity alone, but also encompasses emotional intelligence and the ability to make sound judgments. "خوف" means fear, which can arise from various sources such as danger, uncertainty, or the unknown. On the other hand, "أمن" refers to security, tranquility, and a state of being free from fear or harm.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the importance of seeking security and tranquility in our lives. In Surah An-Nahl, Allah says, (Quran 16:128)

Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good.

This verse highlights the connection between fear of Allah and the attainment of security. When we fear Allah and strive to do good, we are granted His protection and guidance, which brings us inner peace and security.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:257)

Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light.

This verse emphasizes that Allah is the ultimate source of security and guidance for the believers. When we have faith in Allah and follow His teachings, He guides us out of the darkness of fear and uncertainty into the light of security and certainty.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to use our intellect and wisdom to overcome fear and find a path to security. An intelligent person does not allow fear to paralyze them or hinder their progress. Instead, they seek knowledge, make informed decisions, and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks. They understand that living in constant fear is not productive or beneficial for their well-being.

For example, imagine a person who is afraid of failure and thus avoids taking any risks in their personal or professional life. They may miss out on opportunities for growth and success. However, an intelligent person recognizes that failure is a natural part of life and a stepping stone towards success. They embrace challenges, learn from their mistakes, and strive for improvement, ultimately attaining a sense of security and fulfillment.

Similarly, in matters of faith, an intelligent person does not allow fear to hinder their spiritual growth. They seek knowledge, reflect on the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and develop a deep understanding of their religion. This knowledge empowers them to face challenges, overcome doubts, and find security in their faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that as intelligent individuals, we should not allow fear to dominate our lives. Instead, we should seek knowledge, make informed decisions, and have faith in Allah's guidance. By doing so, we can find a path to security and tranquility, both in this world and the hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom to overcome our fears and attain true security.