Hadith #4066

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

وَقُّوا دينَكُمْ بِالاِسْتِعانَةِ بِاللّهِ۔

This can be translated as:

Guard your religion by seeking help from Allah.

In this Hadith, there are two important words that require our attention: (your religion) "دينَكُمْ" and (seeking help) "اِسْتِعانَةِ".

The word "دينَكُمْ" refers to the entirety of one's religious beliefs, practices, and obligations. It encompasses not only the rituals and acts of worship but also the moral and ethical principles that guide a person's conduct. It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Islam as a way of life.

To understand the significance of seeking help from Allah, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Fatiha, verse 5:

You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.

This verse highlights the fundamental principle of Tawhid (monotheism) and the importance of seeking help exclusively from Allah.

Seeking help from Allah means relying on Him in all aspects of our lives, including matters of faith and religious practice. It involves recognizing our own limitations and acknowledging that true success can only come through the assistance and guidance of Allah.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 45, Allah says:

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's help through acts of worship, such as prayer, and through cultivating patience and perseverance.

By guarding our religion through seeking help from Allah, we are reminded to turn to Him in times of difficulty, to seek His guidance in making decisions, and to rely on His strength and support in upholding our faith. This reliance on Allah strengthens our connection with Him and deepens our trust in His wisdom and mercy.

Seeking help from Allah also serves as a motivation for Muslims to continuously strive for improvement and growth in their religious practices. It reminds us that we are not alone in our journey of faith, and that Allah is always there to guide and support us.

The consequences of neglecting to seek help from Allah can be detrimental to our religion. When we rely solely on our own abilities and resources, we risk falling into arrogance and self-reliance. This can lead to a weakening of our faith and a neglect of our religious obligations.

On the other hand, when we actively seek help from Allah, we open ourselves up to His blessings and mercy. Our reliance on Him strengthens our faith and allows us to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and resilience.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the profound wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep knowledge and understanding of Islam enabled him to provide guidance that is rooted in the teachings of the Quran. By emphasizing the importance of seeking help from Allah, he reminds us of the central role that Allah plays in our lives and the significance of relying on Him in all matters.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us to guard our religion by seeking help from Allah. It reminds us of the comprehensive nature of Islam and the importance of relying on Allah in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we strengthen our faith, deepen our connection with Allah, and ensure the preservation and growth of our religion. May Allah grant us the ability to seek His help and guidance in all that we do.