Hadith #8695

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profound connection between the sword and religion. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the sword is "fatiq" which means it "rents asunder" or "separates," while religion is "ratiq" which means it "joins together" or "unites." This powerful imagery emphasizes the role of both the sword and religion in establishing justice and maintaining order in society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that religion commands good and the sword forbids evil. This means that religion, as a comprehensive system of guidance, instructs believers to engage in righteous actions and adhere to moral principles. It encourages acts of kindness, justice, and compassion, while discouraging acts of injustice, oppression, and immorality. The sword, on the other hand, serves as a means of deterring and preventing evil. It is a tool used to protect the innocent, defend against aggression, and establish peace and security.

To support this understanding, we find a verse from the Quran that aligns with the concept presented in the Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190):

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using the sword, or engaging in physical combat, only in self-defense and in the pursuit of justice. It prohibits aggression and encourages restraint, reminding Muslims to adhere to the principles of righteousness even in times of conflict.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:32), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.

This verse highlights the sanctity of human life and the importance of preserving it. It emphasizes the principle of proportionality in the use of force and discourages the unjust taking of life.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dual nature of their responsibilities. It reminds us that religion is not limited to spiritual rituals and personal beliefs, but encompasses all aspects of life, including social, political, and ethical dimensions. It encourages believers to actively promote goodness and justice, while also taking a firm stand against evil and oppression.

Furthermore, this Hadith highlights the importance of balance and moderation in the application of both religion and the sword. It cautions against extremism and excessive use of force, reminding Muslims to always seek justice and adhere to the principles of mercy and compassion. It calls upon Muslims to be proactive in upholding the values of their faith, while also recognizing the need for self-defense and protection of the vulnerable.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound insights into the relationship between the sword and religion. It emphasizes the role of religion in guiding believers towards righteousness and the role of the sword in deterring and preventing evil. It reminds Muslims of their duty to establish justice and maintain peace, while also highlighting the importance of balance and moderation in the application of both religion and the sword. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement these teachings in our lives.