Hawzah News Agency | Amir al-Mu’minin, Imam Ali, peace be upon him, states in Nahj al-Balaghah:
«وَ اللَّهِ لَا أَکُونُ کَالضَّبُعِ تَنَامُ عَلَی طُولِ اللَّدْمِ حَتَّی یَصِلَ إِلَیْهَا طَالِبُهَا وَ یَخْتِلَهَا رَاصِدُهَا.»
“By God, I am not like the hyena that is lulled to sleep by gentle, rhythmic strokes [at the entrance of its den] until the hunter reaches it and the enemy lurking in wait captures it [by surprise].” (Sermon no. 6)
Explanation:
One of the most vital teachings repeatedly emphasized in Islam is “the recognition of the enemy”. Should one fail to acquire the necessary knowledge of this discipline, all material and spiritual assets of a human being may be placed on the brink of destruction.
It may be argued that the primary prerequisite for both individual and societal progress is “Security.” This security is deeply intertwined with “the recognition of the enemy”; hence, Imam Ali, peace be upon him, warns us against failing to recognize the enemy and being caught unawares.
In explanation of the Imam’s words, "it is well known that the hyena is a foolish creature, easily hunted. The hunter slowly taps at the entrance of the hyena’s den with the sole of his foot, a stone, or a stick, and the beast, lulled by the gentle rhythm, falls asleep, allowing the hunter to capture it with ease." 1
Therefore, the vigilant believer is never deceived by the enemy’s rhetoric or maneuvers. They carefully assess every circumstance and, through total reliance on the Infinite Power of the Almighty God, continue along the path of Truth until they attain their ultimate goal.
However, one must realize that if a person remains negligent of their enemy, the enemy remains wide awake, constantly seeking the opportunity to strike. This is why Imam Ali, peace be upon him, further declares:
«مَنْ نَامَ عَنْ عَدُوِّهِ أَنْبَهَتْهُ اَلْمَکَایِدُ.»
“He who is negligent of his enemy will be awakened by his [the enemy’s] plots.” (Oyun al-Hikam, v. 1, p. 441)
In another tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ali, peace be upon him:
«مَنْ نَامَ عَنْ نُصْرَةِ وَلِیِّهِ اِنْتَبَهَ بِوَطْأَةِ عَدُوِّهِ.»
“He who sleeps during the time of assisting his "Wali" (Leader), will be awakened by the kick of the enemy.” (Ghurar al-Hikam, v. 1, p. 630)
And indeed, that day of awakening may come too late to be of any use.
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1. The message of Imam Amir al-Mu'minin(pbuh), written by Ayatullah Makarim Shirazi, v. 1, p. 451.
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