Hadith #1402

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic phrase of the Hadith is "التَّأيُّدُ حَزْمٌ". The word (atta'yyud) "التَّأيُّدُ" means strengthening or fortifying oneself, while the word (hazm) "حَزْمٌ" refers to judiciousness or wisdom. This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-strengthening as a sign of wisdom and prudence.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 200, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse highlights the importance of perseverance and endurance in the face of challenges. Strengthening oneself through perseverance and endurance is a manifestation of wisdom and prudence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of knowing one another and recognizing the noble qualities within individuals. Strengthening oneself through self-improvement and righteousness is a reflection of wisdom and prudence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that strengthening oneself is a sign of judiciousness. By fortifying our inner selves, we become better equipped to face the challenges of life and make wise decisions. This strengthening can take various forms, such as acquiring knowledge, developing good character, and cultivating spiritual resilience.

For example, when faced with a difficult decision, a person who has strengthened themselves through knowledge and understanding of Islamic teachings will be able to make a wise and informed choice. Similarly, someone who has fortified their character through patience and self-discipline will be better able to control their emotions and respond to challenging situations with wisdom and composure.

The motivation behind strengthening oneself is rooted in the desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. By striving to become better individuals, we fulfill our purpose of worship and draw closer to our Creator. This motivation is beautifully captured in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 35, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.

Strengthening ourselves is a means of seeking nearness to Allah and striving in His cause.

The consequences of strengthening oneself are far-reaching. Not only does it benefit the individual, but it also has a positive impact on society as a whole. When individuals strive to become better versions of themselves, they contribute to the betterment of their families, communities, and ultimately, the entire ummah. By embodying the qualities of wisdom, prudence, and righteousness, they become beacons of guidance and inspiration for others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that strengthening oneself is a sign of judiciousness. By fortifying our inner selves through knowledge, good character, and spiritual resilience, we become better equipped to face the challenges of life and make wise decisions. This strengthening is motivated by the desire to please Allah and seek His pleasure. Its consequences extend beyond the individual, positively impacting society as a whole. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to continuously strive for self-improvement and righteousness.