Hadith #10802

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, "رُبَّ واثِق خَجِل۔" This can be translated as,

Many a person who relies on something [or someone] gets ashamed.

In this brief statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the potential consequences of placing excessive trust or reliance on something or someone.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. The word (waathiq) "واثِق" refers to someone who places their trust or reliance on something. It implies a sense of confidence and dependence. The word (khajil) "خَجِل" means to feel ashamed or embarrassed. It signifies a state of discomfort or regret.

To shed light on the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 15: (Quran 22:15)

Whoever should think that Allah will not support [Prophet Muhammad] in this world and the Hereafter - let him extend a rope to the ceiling, then cut off [his breath], and let him see: will his effort remove that which enrages [him]?

This verse emphasizes the importance of relying solely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not placing our trust in anything or anyone else. When we rely on worldly means or individuals, we may face disappointment and shame. Our efforts and reliance should be directed towards Allah, as He is the ultimate source of support and guidance.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran, verse 160: (Quran 3:160)

If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.

This verse emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah alone. He is the ultimate source of strength and assistance. Placing our trust in anything or anyone else is futile, as they are all ultimately under the control of Allah. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to place their complete reliance on Allah and seek His help in all matters.

Now, let us delve deeper into the essence of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. When a person places their trust and reliance on something or someone other than Allah, they are essentially attributing power and control to that entity. However, this reliance can lead to disappointment and shame when that entity fails to fulfill their expectations.

For example, if a person places their trust in their wealth and believes that it will bring them happiness and security, they may face disappointment when their wealth diminishes or fails to provide the desired outcome. Similarly, if a person places their trust in another human being, they may experience shame and embarrassment when that person lets them down or proves to be unreliable.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, warns us against placing excessive reliance on anything or anyone other than Allah. By doing so, he reminds us of the importance of recognizing the limitations of worldly means and individuals. Our ultimate reliance should be on Allah, who is the All-Knowing and All-Powerful.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to place their complete trust and reliance on Allah alone. Placing excessive reliance on anything or anyone else can lead to disappointment, shame, and regret. May we always turn to Allah as our ultimate source of support and guidance, and may He grant us the wisdom to recognize the limitations of worldly means.