Hadith #7855

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about seeking assistance from our enemies to fulfill our needs. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (seek assistance) "استعان" and (enemy) "عدو". The word "استعان" comes from the root word "عون" which means help or support. It implies seeking help from someone to fulfill a need or achieve a goal. The word "عدو" refers to an enemy, someone who is opposed to us or wishes harm upon us.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking His assistance and relying on Him alone. In Surah Al-Fatiha, we recite (You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help)

Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'in

This verse reminds us that seeking assistance should be directed towards Allah alone, as He is the ultimate source of all help and support.

Furthermore, the Quran warns us about the consequences of seeking assistance from those who are opposed to us. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 60:1)

O you who have believed, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, extending to them affection while they have disbelieved in what came to you of the truth

This verse cautions us against forming alliances or seeking help from those who are hostile towards our faith and values.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of seeking assistance from our enemies. By relying on our enemies to fulfill our needs, we distance ourselves further from attaining those needs. This can be understood in various ways.

Firstly, seeking assistance from our enemies compromises our principles and values. It may require us to compromise our faith or engage in actions that are contrary to our beliefs. By doing so, we distance ourselves from the path of righteousness and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Secondly, seeking help from our enemies can lead to a loss of self-reliance and independence. When we rely on others, especially those who are opposed to us, we become dependent on them and lose our ability to stand on our own feet. This distance from self-reliance can hinder our personal growth and development.

Thirdly, seeking assistance from our enemies can have long-term consequences on our relationships and community. It can create divisions and animosity among Muslims, weakening our unity and collective strength. By seeking help from those who oppose us, we inadvertently contribute to the fragmentation of the ummah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek assistance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone and to avoid seeking help from our enemies. By relying solely on Allah, we strengthen our faith, maintain our principles, and preserve the unity of the ummah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to make wise choices and seek His assistance in all matters of our lives.