Hadith #2143

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أواخِرُ مَصادِرِ التَّوَقّي أوائِلُ مَوارِدِ الحَذَرِ۔

This Hadith highlights the importance of being cautious and vigilant in preserving oneself from harm. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tawaqqi) "تَوَقِّي" refers to self-preservation or taking precautions to protect oneself from harm. It is derived from the root word (waqa) "وَقَى", which means to protect or guard. The word (masadir) "مَصَادِر" means sources or origins, while (mawarid) "مَوَارِد" refers to points or places of origin. Lastly, (hadar) "حَذَر" means caution or vigilance.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of self-preservation and caution in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (consciousness of Allah).

This verse highlights the importance of being prepared and cautious in our journey through life, with the ultimate provision being our consciousness of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah says,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the need for caution and verification before accepting and acting upon information, as acting hastily without proper investigation can lead to harm and regret.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by highlighting the interconnectedness of self-preservation and caution. It reminds us that the last sources of self-preservation are the first points of caution. In other words, the actions we take to protect ourselves from harm should be rooted in a mindset of vigilance and caution from the very beginning.

For example, when it comes to our physical health, the last sources of self-preservation may include seeking medical treatment or taking medication. However, the first points of caution would be adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious food, and exercising regularly. By being cautious and proactive in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we can prevent many illnesses and ailments, thus preserving our well-being.

Similarly, in matters of faith and spirituality, the last sources of self-preservation may include seeking forgiveness and repentance for our sins. However, the first points of caution would be to establish a strong connection with Allah through regular prayers, recitation of the Quran, and acts of worship. By being cautious and vigilant in our spiritual journey from the very beginning, we can protect ourselves from falling into sinful actions and seek forgiveness when we do err.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be proactive and vigilant in all aspects of their lives. It urges us to be cautious and take preventive measures to protect ourselves from harm, rather than waiting until the last moment when the damage has already been done. By adopting a mindset of caution and vigilance, we can preserve our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of being cautious and vigilant in preserving ourselves from harm. It reminds us that the last sources of self-preservation are rooted in the first points of caution. By being proactive and taking preventive measures, we can protect ourselves from harm and preserve our well-being. May Allah guide us all to be cautious and vigilant in all aspects of our lives, and may He grant us the wisdom to preserve ourselves and others.