Hadith #8168

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us,

Do not pick a fight with one whom you cannot repel.

This statement emphasizes the importance of wisdom, restraint, and understanding in our interactions with others. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its connotation in light of the Quran.

The word (tughālib) "تُغالِبْ" in the Hadith means "to overpower" or "to defeat." It implies engaging in a confrontation or conflict with someone. On the other hand, (lā taqdiru ʿalā) "لاتَقْدِرُعَلى" means

you are unable to

or

you lack the ability to.

It signifies the incapacity or weakness to repel or defend oneself against the consequences of engaging in a fight.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can refer to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly advises Muslims to exercise wisdom, patience, and restraint in their interactions with others. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:61), Allah says,

And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking peace and reconciliation, even in the face of potential conflict.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah instructs the believers,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of treating others with fairness and justice, even if they hold different beliefs or opinions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in the Hadith aligns perfectly with the Quranic teachings. It reminds us to be mindful of our limitations and to avoid engaging in conflicts that we are unable to handle. By doing so, we can prevent unnecessary harm, maintain peace, and uphold the principles of justice and wisdom.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, which is evident in this Hadith. He understood the consequences of engaging in fights that one cannot repel. Such conflicts can lead to severe repercussions, both for individuals and society as a whole. They can cause harm, escalate tensions, and disrupt the harmony that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) desires for His creation.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw various examples from our daily lives. For instance, if someone provokes us with hurtful words or actions, it is wise to exercise self-control and respond with patience and kindness. Engaging in a verbal or physical altercation may only lead to further harm and damage relationships. By choosing not to pick a fight, we can maintain peace and prevent unnecessary conflicts.

Moreover, this Hadith also reminds us of the importance of understanding our own capabilities and limitations. It encourages us to assess our strengths and weaknesses before engaging in any confrontations. By doing so, we can avoid situations where we may be overpowered or unable to defend ourselves adequately.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to exercise wisdom and restraint in their interactions with others. It reminds us to avoid picking fights with those whom we cannot repel, emphasizing the importance of peace, justice, and understanding. By following this guidance, we can contribute to a harmonious society and uphold the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement these teachings in our lives.