Hadith #2196

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, "سِلاحُ الحازِمِ الاِسْتِظْهارُ۔" This can be translated as,

The weapon of a judicious person is precaution.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (silah) "سِلاحُ" in Arabic refers to a weapon or a tool used for defense or offense. It symbolizes strength, power, and the means to protect oneself. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses the term "سِلاحُ" to emphasize the importance of a specific weapon for a judicious person.

The word (al-hazim) "الحازِمِ" comes from the root word (hazama) "حَزَمَ", which means to be determined, resolute, and firm. It signifies a person who possesses the quality of decisiveness and steadfastness in their actions and decisions. This person is not easily swayed by external influences and remains focused on their goals.

The word (al-istidhhar) "الاِسْتِظْهارُ" is derived from the root word (zahara) "ظَهَرَ", which means to manifest, show, or display. In this context, it refers to the act of being cautious, vigilant, and taking necessary precautions to avoid harm or danger.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being prepared and taking provisions for a journey. Just as a traveler takes necessary precautions to ensure a safe journey, a judicious person is advised to be cautious and vigilant in their actions and decisions. The best provision mentioned in the verse is Taqwa, which can be understood as the fear of Allah, consciousness of His presence, and adherence to His commands. Taqwa acts as a shield and a weapon for a believer, protecting them from harm and guiding them towards righteousness.

Another verse that supports the concept of precaution is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:30), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse highlights the importance of being cautious and taking necessary measures to protect oneself from harm. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the early Muslims faced numerous challenges and plots from their enemies. They were advised to be vigilant, plan strategically, and take precautions to safeguard themselves and the message of Islam. This exemplifies the concept of (al-istidhhar) "الاِسْتِظْهارُ" mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, emphasizes the importance of precaution as a weapon for a judicious person. By being cautious and taking necessary measures, one can avoid potential dangers, protect themselves from harm, and make informed decisions. This quality of precaution is not only beneficial in worldly matters but also in matters of faith and spirituality.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of being cautious and taking necessary precautions in our lives. Just as a weapon is essential for defense, precaution acts as a weapon for a judicious person, protecting them from harm and guiding them towards success. By being vigilant, firm in our decisions, and conscious of Allah's commands, we can navigate through life's challenges and strive for righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to practice precaution in all aspects of our lives.