Hadith #10875

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to be cautious and mindful of their duty towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be aware of Allah's warning and to fear Him with a fear that would prevent us from engaging in actions that would incur His wrath.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (iḥḏarū) "اِحْذَرُوا" means to be cautious, to be aware, and to take heed. It implies a sense of vigilance and mindfulness towards our actions. The word (kunh) "كُنْهَ" refers to one's duty or obligation. It signifies the responsibility we have towards Allah and the importance of fulfilling it.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then highlights the reciprocal relationship between Allah and His creation. He states,

just as He has warned you of Himself.

This phrase emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has already warned us of the consequences of our actions. He has provided us with guidance through His revelations, particularly the Quran, which contains numerous verses that warn us of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of righteousness.

To support this exegesis, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse emphasizes the importance of being cautious and mindful of our actions, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us in the Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow.

This verse reiterates the need for fear and mindfulness of Allah, as well as the importance of reflecting on our actions and their consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then urges us to

fear Him with a fear that would prevent you from [doing] that which causes His wrath.

This phrase emphasizes the level of fear and reverence we should have towards Allah. It is not a fear of punishment, but rather a fear that prevents us from engaging in actions that displease Him.

To further understand this concept, we can turn to Surah Al-Imran (3:102), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].

This verse highlights the importance of fearing Allah in the manner that He deserves, and it serves as a reminder that our ultimate goal should be to submit to Him completely.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to be cautious and mindful of their duty towards Allah. It emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between Allah and His creation, and it urges us to fear Him with a fear that prevents us from engaging in actions that displease Him. By reflecting on this Hadith and implementing its teachings in our lives, we can strive to strengthen our relationship with Allah and attain His pleasure. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to fulfill our duty towards Him.