Hadith #10525

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

Man kana lahu min nafsihi yaqzah, kana 'alayhi min Allahi hafazah.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and careful in guarding one's soul, as it leads to the protection and guardianship of Allah.

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. The word "yaqzah" refers to being watchful, alert, and cautious. It implies being aware of one's actions, thoughts, and intentions. "Nafsihi" refers to one's own self or soul. "Hafazah" means protection or guardianship. Therefore, the Hadith conveys that if an individual is vigilant and careful in guarding their soul, Allah will appoint protectors to watch over them.

This concept of Allah appointing protectors for those who are vigilant and careful is beautifully echoed in the Quran. In Surah Yunus, Allah says, (Quran 41:30)

Indeed, those who have said, 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remained on a right course - the angels will descend upon them, [saying], 'Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.'

This verse highlights that those who remain steadfast in their belief in Allah and follow the right path will be blessed with the presence of angels, who will provide them with comfort and reassurance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah states, (Quran 8:19)

And when the believers saw the enemy, they said, 'This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us, and the truth of Allah and His Messenger has been fulfilled.' And this increased them only in faith and acceptance.

Here, we see that the believers who were vigilant and faithful in their trust in Allah and His Messenger were rewarded with an increase in faith and acceptance.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of being mindful of our actions and intentions. When we are vigilant and careful in guarding our souls, we become more conscious of our behavior and strive to align it with the teachings of Islam. This heightened awareness leads to a greater sense of accountability and responsibility.

By being vigilant, we become more aware of the potential consequences of our actions. We are more likely to avoid engaging in sinful behavior and instead strive to do good deeds. This consciousness also extends to our thoughts and intentions, as we become mindful of the impact they have on our spiritual well-being.

The consequences of being vigilant and careful in guarding our souls are immense. Allah, in His infinite mercy, appoints protectors to watch over us. These protectors can be in the form of angels who provide us with guidance, support, and protection. They inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith, strengthen our resolve, and shield us from harm.

Moreover, being vigilant and careful in guarding our souls fosters a deep connection with Allah. It allows us to develop a profound sense of trust in Him and His divine plan. We recognize that our actions are being observed and that Allah is ever watchful over us. This awareness instills a sense of peace and tranquility in our hearts, knowing that we are under the protection and guardianship of the Most High.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and careful in guarding our souls. By being watchful and aware of our actions, thoughts, and intentions, we invite the protection and guardianship of Allah. This concept is beautifully supported by various Quranic verses that highlight the rewards and blessings bestowed upon those who remain steadfast in their faith and follow the right path. May we all strive to be vigilant and careful in guarding our souls, and may Allah bless us with His protection and guidance.