Hadith #3988

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 the seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الدّينُ يَعْصِمُ۔" This concise statement can be translated into English as "Religion safeguards." Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (deen) "دين" in Arabic refers to religion or faith. It encompasses the beliefs, practices, and values that guide an individual's relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a comprehensive term that encompasses all aspects of a person's life, both spiritual and worldly. The word (ya'sim) "يَعْصِمُ" is derived from the root word (asama) "عَصَمَ", which means to protect, preserve, or safeguard.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the concept of religion safeguarding individuals. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:208)

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to the teachings of Islam and avoiding the path of Satan, who seeks to lead people astray. By following the religion, believers are protected from the harmful influences and temptations of the devil.

Another verse that highlights the concept of religion safeguarding is found in Surah Al-Anfal, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (8:29)

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse assures believers that by upholding their faith and fearing Allah, they will be granted guidance and protection. Their sins will be forgiven, and they will be bestowed with Allah's abundant blessings.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encapsulates the essence of these Quranic teachings. It reminds us that religion acts as a shield, safeguarding us from the evils and temptations of the world. It serves as a guiding light, protecting us from straying onto the wrong path and ensuring that we remain steadfast in our faith.

When we adhere to the principles of our religion, we are shielded from the negative influences that surround us. Our faith becomes a source of strength, providing us with the moral compass to make righteous choices and avoid sinful actions. It protects our hearts and minds from being corrupted by the vices prevalent in society.

Moreover, religion safeguards our spiritual well-being. By performing acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, we strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and purify our souls. These acts of devotion act as a shield, shielding us from the spiritual diseases that can corrupt our hearts and distance us from our Creator.

Furthermore, religion safeguards our relationships with others. Islam emphasizes the importance of justice, kindness, and compassion towards fellow human beings. By following these principles, we create harmonious and just societies, free from oppression and injustice. Our religion guides us in maintaining healthy relationships with our families, friends, and communities, fostering love, respect, and unity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "Religion safeguards" reminds us of the profound role that religion plays in our lives. It acts as a shield, protecting us from the harmful influences of the world, guiding us towards righteousness, and preserving our spiritual well-being. By adhering to the teachings of our faith, we can navigate through life's challenges and strive for a fulfilling and purposeful existence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to safeguard our religion and benefit from its blessings.