Hadith #1379

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) highlights two contrasting states of being: the comfort of security and the anxiety of loneliness, as well as the familiarity of society and the apprehension of fear. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (unus) "أُنْسُ" refers to comfort, tranquility, and ease. It represents a state of contentment and peace that one experiences in their heart and soul. On the other hand, (wahsha) "وَحْشَةُ" denotes anxiety, restlessness, and unease. It refers to the feeling of loneliness and isolation that can afflict an individual.

The Hadith states that the comfort of security is removed by the anxiety of loneliness. This implies that when one is alone and lacks companionship, their sense of security and peace is diminished. Loneliness can lead to feelings of vulnerability and fear, as there is no one to rely on or seek support from. This is a natural human instinct, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has created us as social beings who thrive in the company of others.

The Quran affirms the importance of companionship and warns against the perils of isolation. In Surah Al-An'am (6:52), Allah says,

And do not send away those who call upon their Lord morning and afternoon, seeking His countenance. Not upon you is anything of their account, and not upon them is anything of your account. So were you to send them away, you would [then] be of the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the need for maintaining social connections and not turning away from those who seek our companionship and support.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that the familiarity of society is disturbed by the apprehension of fear. The word (jama'ah) "جَماعَةِ" refers to a group or community, while (makhafa) "مَخافَةِ" signifies fear and dread. It suggests that when one is constantly in a state of fear, their ability to connect with others and establish meaningful relationships is hindered.

Fear can create a sense of distance and suspicion among individuals, making it difficult to form genuine bonds of trust and camaraderie. This is why the Hadith states that the familiarity of society is disrupted by the apprehension of fear. When people are preoccupied with their own anxieties and concerns, it becomes challenging to foster a sense of unity and togetherness within a community.

The Quran encourages Muslims to overcome fear and seek solace in the company of others. In Surah Al-Imran (3:175), Allah says,

It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.

This verse reminds us that true believers should not be swayed by fear or allow it to divide them. Instead, they should place their trust in Allah and find strength in the support and unity of their community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand the profound impact that loneliness and fear can have on an individual's well-being and their ability to connect with others. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize companionship, foster a sense of security within their communities, and overcome their fears through reliance on Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of companionship and the detrimental effects of loneliness and fear. It urges Muslims to seek comfort and security in the company of others, while also encouraging them to overcome their anxieties and unite as a community. May Allah guide us to establish strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, and grant us the strength to overcome our fears and find solace in His presence.