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مَنْ زَلَّ عَنْ مَحَجَّةِ الطَّريقِ وَقَعَ في حَيْرَةِ المَضيقِ۔

One who slips from the highway of the course falls into the perplexity of narrowness.

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One who slips from the highway of the course falls into the perplexity of...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Way and The Course)

Personal Reflection

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who slips from the highway of the course falls into the perplexity of narrowness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (zalla) "زَلَّ" means to slip or deviate from the right path. (mahajjati) "مَحَجَّةِ" refers to the highway or the well-trodden path, which signifies the straight path of righteousness and guidance. (at-tariq) "الطَّريقِ" refers to the course or the way of life that leads to success and salvation. Lastly, (hayrat) "حَيْرَةِ" means perplexity or confusion, while (al-madiq) "المَضيقِ" refers to narrowness or restriction.

To better understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:153),

And, [moreover], this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to the straight path of Allah, which is the path of righteousness and guidance. It warns against deviating from this path, as doing so will lead to separation from His way. This separation results in confusion, perplexity, and a sense of being lost, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentioned in the Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:116), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying.

This verse highlights the danger of following the majority without discernment. It cautions against blindly following the opinions and actions of others, as they may lead us astray from the straight path of Allah. Deviating from this path can result in confusion and narrowness of understanding, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentioned in the Hadith.

The consequences of slipping from the highway of the course are grave. When one deviates from the straight path, they become susceptible to confusion, doubt, and a restricted understanding of the truth. This can lead to a multitude of negative consequences, both in this world and in the hereafter.

For example, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And of the people is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge or guidance or an enlightening book [from Him].

This verse highlights the danger of engaging in theological debates and discussions without proper knowledge and guidance. When one slips from the highway of the course, they may fall into the trap of engaging in arguments and disputes without a solid foundation of knowledge. This can lead to confusion, division, and a distorted understanding of the truth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to stay firmly on the straight path of righteousness and guidance. Deviating from this path can lead to confusion, doubt, and a restricted understanding of the truth. It is crucial for us to seek knowledge, follow the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (), and avoid blindly following the opinions and actions of others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the straight path and protect us from slipping into the perplexity of narrowness.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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