Hadith #3326

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إرْهَبْ تُحذَرْ۔" which translates to

Fear [Allah] and you will be feared by the people.

This profound statement holds deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

The word (irhab) "إرْهَبْ" is derived from the root word (rahb) "رهب", which means fear or awe. In this context, it refers to the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the ultimate source of power and authority. This fear is not a fear of punishment, but rather a fear of displeasing Allah and a deep reverence for His greatness.

The word (tuhdar) "تُحذَرْ" is derived from the root word (hadar) "حذر", which means to be cautious or to take heed. In this context, it implies that if one truly fears Allah and is conscious of His presence, they will be cautious in their actions and strive to avoid anything that displeases Him.

This hadith emphasizes the importance of developing a sincere and profound fear of Allah in our hearts. It reminds us that true power and respect come from our relationship with Allah, not from seeking the approval or fear of people. When we fear Allah and strive to please Him, we will naturally earn the respect and admiration of others.

This concept of fearing Allah and being feared by the people is beautifully reflected in the Quran. Allah says in Surah Al-Imran (3:175),

It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. So, do not fear them, but fear Me if you are [indeed] believers.

This verse reminds us that our fear should be directed towards Allah alone, as He is the ultimate source of power and protection.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:60), Allah says,

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy.

This verse highlights the importance of relying on Allah's strength and fearing Him in times of conflict. When we have the fear of Allah in our hearts, we are empowered to face any challenge with courage and determination.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their relationship with Allah above all else. When we truly fear Allah and strive to please Him, we will naturally earn the respect and admiration of others. Our actions will be guided by righteousness, justice, and compassion, and people will be drawn to our noble character.

This hadith also highlights the importance of sincerity in our worship and actions. When our fear of Allah is genuine and deeply rooted, it will manifest in our behavior and interactions with others. We will be cautious in our words and deeds, striving to uphold the values and principles of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Fear [Allah] and you will be feared by the people

emphasizes the significance of developing a sincere and profound fear of Allah. By prioritizing our relationship with Allah and striving to please Him, we will naturally earn the respect and admiration of others. May Allah grant us the ability to fear Him and be guided by His teachings in all aspects of our lives.