Hadith #1657

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 Muhammad, his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

Cowardice is an affliction and impuissance is feeble-mindedness.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (jubn) "جُبْنُ" translates to "cowardice" or "timidity." It refers to the state of being fearful or lacking courage in the face of danger or adversity. Cowardice is a negative trait that hinders one's ability to face challenges and fulfill their responsibilities.

The word (afa) "افَةٌ" means "affliction" or "disease." It signifies that cowardice is not just a personal weakness, but rather a harmful affliction that affects both the individual and the society. It weakens the spirit and prevents growth and progress.

The word (ajz) "عَجْزُ" translates to "impuissance" or "inability." It refers to the state of being weak or powerless, lacking the necessary strength or capability to accomplish tasks or overcome obstacles. Impuissance is a sign of feeble-mindedness and a hindrance to personal and societal development.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46),

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, as well as the detrimental effects of disputes and losing courage. It highlights how cowardice weakens one's strength and resolve, leading to a loss of motivation and determination.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah has given us the capacity to face challenges and overcome difficulties. It encourages us to have faith in our abilities and not succumb to cowardice or impuissance.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It highlights the negative consequences of cowardice and impuissance, both on an individual and societal level. Cowardice prevents individuals from fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, while impuissance hinders progress and development.

For example, in personal relationships, cowardice can lead to a lack of assertiveness and an inability to stand up for oneself or others. This can result in injustice and the perpetuation of harmful behaviors. Similarly, impuissance can prevent individuals from taking action to address societal issues and bring about positive change.

Moreover, the Hadith encourages Muslims to cultivate courage and strength of character. It urges us to overcome our fears and face challenges head-on, relying on the guidance of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we can fulfill our potential and contribute to the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the negative consequences of cowardice and impuissance. It reminds Muslims of the importance of courage and strength, both in personal and societal contexts. By understanding and internalizing these teachings, we can strive to overcome our weaknesses and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and courage to face the challenges of life and strive for excellence.