Hadith #2047

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,

عَضُّوا عَلَى النَّواجِدِ، فَإنَّهُ أنْبا لِلْسُّيُوفِ عَنِ الْهامِ۔

This Hadith is translated as,

Grit your back teeth, for this makes the swords skip off the skull.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining its key words and their implications. The word (Grit) "عَضُّوا" refers to clenching or grinding one's teeth together. (back teeth) "النَّواجِدِ" specifically refers to the molars, which are located towards the back of the mouth. The phrase

إنَّهُ أنْبا لِلْسُّيُوفِ عَنِ الْهامِ

can be understood as

for this action prevents the swords from penetrating the skull.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being prepared and equipped for battle. Gritting one's back teeth can be seen as a physical manifestation of this preparation, as it demonstrates determination and readiness to face challenges.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart.

This verse highlights the significance of unity and avoiding disputes among Muslims. Gritting one's back teeth can be seen as a symbol of unity, as it signifies the strength and resilience that comes from standing together as a united front.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, advises Muslims to grit their back teeth. This advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. By gritting their back teeth, Muslims can metaphorically protect themselves from the attacks and challenges they may encounter in life.

This Hadith also carries a deeper spiritual meaning. Just as gritting one's back teeth can physically protect the skull from swords, it symbolizes the need to protect one's mind and heart from harmful influences and negative thoughts. By maintaining a strong and unwavering faith, Muslims can shield themselves from the temptations and doubts that may arise.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to grit their back teeth as a means of physical and spiritual protection. It serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in the face of challenges, to stand united as a community, and to protect one's mind and heart from harmful influences. By embodying the qualities of determination, resilience, and faith, Muslims can navigate through life's trials with strength and fortitude. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to apply the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives and protect us from all harm.