Hadith #4193

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a beautiful Hadith that reflects his deep understanding and wisdom. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (protection) "خَلاص", (shelter) "مَناص", (sanctuary) "مَلاذ", (asylum) "مَعاذ", (fleeing) "فِرار", and (returning back) "مَحار". These words highlight the human instinct to seek safety and refuge in times of distress or danger.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking His protection and finding solace in Him. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Himself as the ultimate refuge and sanctuary for His servants. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (8:40)

And know that Allah is your protector. Excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith highlights the human need for a place of safety and security. It serves as a reminder that true protection and refuge can only be found in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). No matter how dire the circumstances may be, it is to Him that we should turn for help and guidance.

This Hadith also emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's protection and refuge in times of difficulty. It encourages Muslims to rely on Allah's mercy and seek His assistance rather than relying solely on worldly means. This does not mean that we should not take practical measures to protect ourselves, but rather that our ultimate reliance should be on Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise words in this Hadith also highlight the consequences of seeking refuge in other than Allah. When we place our trust in anything or anyone other than Allah, we are bound to be disappointed. Only Allah has the power to provide true protection and sanctuary.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking Allah's protection and refuge in all aspects of our lives. It serves as a powerful reminder that true safety and security can only be found in Him. May Allah guide us to always seek His protection and may He grant us the wisdom to understand the profound teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).