Hadith #3380

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ لَمْ يُخِفْ أحَداً لَمْ يَخَفْ أبَداً۔

This powerful statement can be translated as,

One who does not frighten others will never be frightened [by anyone].

Let us delve into the depths of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word (yukhif) "يُخِفْ" in the Hadith refers to causing fear or terror in others. It implies intimidating or threatening someone to the extent that they become scared or frightened. On the other hand, the word (ahadan) "أحَداً" means "anyone" or "someone." Therefore, the Hadith teaches us that if we do not instill fear in others, we will never experience fear ourselves.

This Hadith resonates with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness, compassion, and justice. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8),

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse reminds us of the importance of justice and fairness in our interactions with others. It encourages us to be just, even if it means going against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. By treating others with fairness and justice, we create an environment of trust and security, where fear has no place.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us the importance of forgiveness and mercy. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages us to respond to ignorance and wrongdoing with kindness and patience. By doing so, we not only avoid causing fear in others but also create an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the consequences of our actions. If we choose to intimidate, threaten, or cause fear in others, we create a cycle of fear that may eventually come back to haunt us. On the other hand, if we choose to treat others with kindness, respect, and justice, we create an environment of trust and security, where fear is replaced with love and compassion.

Let us reflect on the profound wisdom of this Hadith and strive to embody its teachings in our daily lives. By being mindful of our words and actions, and by treating others with kindness and justice, we can contribute to a society free from fear and filled with peace. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and enable us to be a source of comfort and security for others.