Hadith #11195

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, "مَنْ تَوَقّى سَلِمَ۔" This can be translated as,

One who is on his guard remains safe.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tawaqqa) "تَوَقَّى" is derived from the root word (waqa) "وَقَى", which means to guard, protect, or be cautious. It implies being mindful of one's actions, thoughts, and intentions, and taking precautions to avoid harm or wrongdoing. It is a comprehensive concept that encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects of life.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of being on guard and taking precautions. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197, Allah says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights that the best provision for our journey in this world is Taqwa, which is often translated as God-consciousness or piety. It is through Taqwa that we can protect ourselves from the temptations and pitfalls of life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr, verse 18, Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds us to be cautious of our actions and to consider the consequences of our deeds. By being on guard and mindful of our actions, we can protect ourselves from the negative consequences of our choices.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of being on guard in all aspects of our lives. It serves as a reminder that by being cautious and mindful, we can protect ourselves from harm, both in this world and in the hereafter.

For example, let's consider the importance of being on guard in our relationships. By being mindful of our words and actions, we can avoid hurting others and damaging our relationships. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of kindness, forgiveness, and maintaining good relations with others.

Similarly, being on guard in our daily interactions can protect us from falling into sins or engaging in harmful behaviors. By being conscious of our intentions and actions, we can avoid engaging in gossip, backbiting, or any form of injustice. This aligns with the Quranic teachings of promoting justice, honesty, and righteousness.

Moreover, being on guard in matters of faith is crucial. By constantly seeking knowledge, reflecting on the Quran, and being mindful of our spiritual growth, we can protect ourselves from falling into doubts or deviating from the right path. This aligns with the Quranic teachings of seeking knowledge, pondering upon its verses, and continuously striving to improve our relationship with Allah.

The consequences of not being on guard are evident in various examples from the Quran. For instance, the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious and mindful of Allah's commands. Their failure to guard themselves against the whispers of Satan led to their expulsion from paradise. This highlights the consequences of not being on guard and the importance of remaining vigilant in our obedience to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

One who is on his guard remains safe

emphasizes the importance of being cautious, mindful, and on guard in all aspects of our lives. By being aware of our actions, thoughts, and intentions, we can protect ourselves from harm, both in this world and in the hereafter. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the importance of Taqwa and being conscious of Allah in all our affairs. May Allah grant us the ability to be on guard and protect ourselves from all forms of harm.