Hadith #4874

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 (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

شُقُّوا أمْواجَ الفِتَنِ بِسُفُنِ النَّجاةِ۔

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) can be translated as,

Cut through the waves of discord by [embarking on] the ships of salvation.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (shuqqu) "شُقُّوا" means to cut or split, indicating a decisive action. (amwaaj) "أمْواجَ" refers to waves, which symbolize the various trials and tribulations that we encounter in life. (fitan) "الفِتَنِ" refers to discord, conflicts, and trials that can lead people astray. (bisufun) "بِسُفُنِ" means "by the ships," which signifies the means or methods of salvation. And finally, (annajaat) "النَّجاةِ" means salvation or deliverance.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, which provides guidance and support for our understanding. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46),

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and avoiding disputes among Muslims. Discord and conflicts weaken the community, causing a loss of strength and courage. It is crucial for Muslims to come together, united under the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), to overcome the challenges they face.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the need to cut through the waves of discord. Just as ships are a means of transportation and safety in the vast and tumultuous oceans, the ships of salvation mentioned in the Hadith represent the methods and practices that lead to deliverance from trials and tribulations.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking peace and avoiding the path of Satan, who seeks to sow discord among believers. By embarking on the ships of salvation, Muslims can navigate through the challenges and temptations of life, staying on the path of righteousness and unity.

The consequences of following the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and cutting through the waves of discord are manifold. Unity and harmony among Muslims lead to a stronger community that can withstand external challenges and internal divisions. By avoiding disputes and focusing on the common goals and values of Islam, Muslims can work together towards the betterment of society and the spread of peace.

Furthermore, by adhering to the ships of salvation, Muslims can protect themselves from the negative influences of the world. Just as ships provide a safe haven amidst the storms of the sea, the methods and practices of salvation shield believers from the harmful effects of fitan and guide them towards a righteous and fulfilling life.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of unity, patience, and adherence to the teachings of Islam. We must strive to cut through the waves of discord that threaten to divide us and instead embark on the ships of salvation that lead us towards deliverance and success. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and navigate through the challenges of life with unity and steadfastness.