Hadith #1811

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace 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) states,

One who is close to Allah is safe, while [one who is] His enemy is frightened.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the contrasting states of those who are near to Allah and those who oppose Him. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (jaar) "جارُ" in the Hadith refers to someone who is close or near. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies a person who is in a state of proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This closeness is not physical, but rather spiritual and moral. It is a state of being in harmony with the divine will and guidance. Such individuals are protected and secure, both in this world and the hereafter, as they have established a strong connection with their Creator.

On the other hand, the word (aduwwuhu) "عَدُوُّهُ" in the Hadith refers to someone who is an enemy or adversary. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies those who oppose Allah and His teachings. These individuals are in a state of fear and anxiety due to their distance from the divine path. Their actions and beliefs are in conflict with the principles of righteousness and morality, leading to a sense of insecurity and restlessness.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yunus (10:62-63),

No doubt! Verily, the friends of Allah are those on whom fear (comes) not, nor do they grieve. Those who believed and used to fear Allah much (by abstaining from evil deeds and sins and by doing righteous deeds).

This verse emphasizes that those who are close to Allah, the friends of Allah, are free from fear and grief. They are individuals who believe in Allah and fear Him by abstaining from evil deeds and striving to do righteous acts. Their faith and piety grant them tranquility and protection from the anxieties and worries of this world.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:48), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when Satan made their deeds seem fair to them and said, 'No one of mankind can overcome you this day (of the battle of Badr) and verily, I am your neighbor (for each and every help).' But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he ran away and said, 'Verily, I have nothing to do with you. Verily! I see what you see not. Verily! I fear Allah for Allah is severe in punishment.'

In this verse, the enemy of Allah, Satan, tries to deceive the believers by promising them victory. However, when the believers confront the enemy, Satan flees in fear, realizing that he has no power over them. This exemplifies the concept mentioned in the Hadith, where the enemy of Allah is frightened and weak in the face of those who are close to Allah.

The exegesis of this Hadith highlights the profound consequences and implications of being close to or distant from Allah. Those who are close to Allah are granted security, protection, and peace of mind. They are shielded from the fears and anxieties that plague the hearts of those who oppose Allah. On the other hand, those who distance themselves from Allah and His teachings live in a state of fear and insecurity, as they are disconnected from the ultimate source of guidance and mercy.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of striving to be close to Allah. This closeness is achieved through sincere devotion, righteous actions, and adherence to the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt. By cultivating a strong relationship with Allah, we can attain the tranquility and security that comes from being near to Him. May Allah guide us all to be among those who are close to Him and protect us from being among His enemies.