Hadith #6458

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of reflecting upon the lessons that can be derived from events and experiences. He begins by stating, (لَقَدْ جاهَرَتْكُمُ العِبَرُ)

Lessons [from events] have indeed become evident for you

Here, the word (جاهَرَتْ) "jabhara" is used, which means to become evident or manifest. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that the lessons and wisdom behind events are not hidden or obscure, but rather, they are clear and apparent for those who seek to understand.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, (وزَجَرَكُمْ(وَ زُجِرْتُمْ بِما)

and you have been deterred by what is in it of a deterrence

ما فيهِ مُزْدَجَرٌ). The word (زَجَرَ) "zajara" means to deter or warn. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting that we are often deterred or cautioned by the consequences and negative outcomes that can arise from certain actions or situations. These deterrents serve as reminders and warnings for us to avoid repeating the same mistakes or engaging in harmful behaviors.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then continues, (وما بَلَّغَ (يُبَلِّغُ)

and after the Prophet of Allah, none have conveyed [the message] from Allah like the Warners

عَنِ اللّهِ بَعْدَ رَسُولِ اللّهِ (رُسُلِ السَّماءِ إلاّ البَشَرُ) مِثْلُ النُّذُرِ۔). Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is drawing our attention to the fact that after the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), no one has conveyed the message of Allah as effectively and comprehensively as the Warners. The word (نُّذُرِ) "nudhur" refers to those who warn or admonish others.

To further support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 8:43)

And remember when Allah showed them to you in your dream as few; and if He had shown them to you as many, you [Muslims] would have lost courage and would have disputed in the matter [of whether to fight], but Allah saved [you from that]. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts

This verse highlights the importance of reflecting upon the lessons and signs that Allah presents to us. Had the Muslims been shown a larger number of the enemy in their dream, it could have led to fear and division among them. However, Allah, in His wisdom, showed them a smaller number to strengthen their resolve and unity.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Hadid, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 21:25)

We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, 'There is no deity except Me, so worship Me'

This verse emphasizes the unique role of the messengers in conveying the message of Allah to humanity. They were chosen by Allah to warn and guide people towards the worship of the One true God.

Reflecting on the wise words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith, we can understand the importance of seeking knowledge and deriving lessons from the events and experiences around us. By reflecting on the consequences of our actions and the warnings that arise from them, we can make informed decisions and avoid repeating mistakes. Furthermore, we are reminded of the unique role of the messengers in conveying the message of Allah to humanity, and the responsibility we have to follow their guidance.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the lessons and warnings that can be derived from events and experiences. By doing so, we can gain wisdom and guidance in our lives, and strive to follow the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to understand and apply the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt in our lives.