Hadith #1167

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) states:

One who protects a fearful person from what he fears, Allah, the Glorified, will protect him from His chastisement.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of helping and supporting those who are in fear or distress. To truly understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

The word (aman) "امَنَ" means to protect or provide security. It signifies the act of safeguarding someone from harm or danger. The word (kha'ifan) "خائفاً" refers to a person who is fearful or anxious. It highlights the emotional state of an individual who is experiencing fear or apprehension. The word (makhofah) "مَخوفَة" refers to what the fearful person is afraid of. It represents the specific fear or danger that the individual is facing.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping and supporting those in need. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says: (2:195)

And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good

This verse encourages Muslims to spend their wealth in the way of Allah and to help others, as Allah loves those who do good.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says: (17:33)

And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right

This verse highlights the sanctity of human life and the prohibition of causing harm to others. It reminds Muslims of their duty to protect and preserve the lives of their fellow human beings.

Based on these Quranic verses, we can understand that the act of protecting a fearful person aligns with the teachings of Islam. By helping someone who is in fear, we are fulfilling our duty as Muslims to do good and preserve the sanctity of human life.

The consequences of adhering to this Hadith are profound. When we protect a fearful person from what they fear, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to protect us from His chastisement. This protection from Allah is not limited to physical harm or punishment, but extends to all forms of chastisement, including spiritual and emotional consequences.

For example, if we come across a person who is afraid of losing their job due to unjust treatment, and we intervene to support them and ensure their rights are protected, Allah will safeguard us from any negative consequences that we may face in our own lives. This could manifest as protection from financial difficulties, maintaining job security, or even finding better opportunities.

Moreover, the act of protecting a fearful person creates a ripple effect of goodness and compassion in society. When we extend our support to those in need, we inspire others to do the same. This fosters a sense of unity and empathy within the community, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of protecting and supporting those who are in fear or distress. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also earn the protection and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to be a source of comfort and security for others, knowing that Allah will safeguard us from any form of chastisement. May Allah guide us all to embody the teachings of Islam and enable us to be a source of support and compassion for those in need.