Hadith #10008

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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) highlights the futility of relying on worldly means for protection or assistance in times of adversity, specifically in the face of death. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) poses a rhetorical question, asking whether the near ones, referring to close relatives, can repel death or if the wailing of women and children can be of any benefit. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that true reliance and trust should be placed solely in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and not in any worldly means or human relationships.

To further understand the impactful message of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some important words. The word (aqarib) "أقارِبُ" refers to the near ones or close relatives, while (an-nawahib) "النَّواحِبُ" refers to the wailing or lamentation of women and children. These two terms are used metaphorically in the Hadith to represent the limited capabilities of human beings in the face of death.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of relying on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 17:80)

And say, 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse highlights the need for seeking support and assistance directly from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than relying on worldly means.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:45)

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

This verse reminds us that true assistance and protection can only be attained through patience and prayer, demonstrating the importance of relying on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all matters.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question in the Hadith challenges the common belief that close relatives or the wailing of women and children can provide any real benefit or protection in the face of death. It serves as a wake-up call to Muslims, urging them to place their complete trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to seek His assistance and protection in times of difficulty.

This Hadith also highlights the profound knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed a deep understanding of the teachings of Islam and the true essence of faith. His words serve as a guiding light for Muslims, reminding them to prioritize their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of relying solely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in times of adversity, rather than placing trust in worldly means or human relationships. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that true assistance and protection can only be attained through sincere devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His guidance and support. May we all strive to internalize this wise message and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.