Hadith #3346

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

طُوبَىٰ لِمَنْ ألْزَمَ نَفْسَهُ مَخَافَةَ رَبِّهِ، وَأَطَاعَهُ فِي ٱلسِّرِّ وَٱلْجَهْرِ

This Hadith emphasizes the blessedness and felicity of the one who adheres to the fear of Allah and obeys Him both in private and in public.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (makhafah) "مَخَافَةَ" refers to the fear or awe of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is not a fear of punishment, but rather a profound reverence and awareness of His presence and His attributes. This fear leads to humility, piety, and a constant striving to please Allah in all aspects of life.

The word (ata'ahu) "أَطَاعَهُ" means to obey or submit to Allah's commands. It encompasses both outward obedience in public and inward obedience in secret. This obedience is not limited to performing obligatory acts of worship, but also includes refraining from prohibited actions and fulfilling the recommended acts of worship. It is a comprehensive obedience that encompasses all aspects of life.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran (3:102), Allah 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 and submitting to Him completely. It is a call to maintain a constant awareness of Allah's presence and to live in accordance with His guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah describes the qualities of the righteous:

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness lies in the combination of belief in Allah and His messengers, along with the performance of good deeds, both in public and in private.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by highlighting the importance of adhering to the fear of Allah and obeying Him in all aspects of life. It serves as a reminder that true success and felicity lie in the consistent practice of piety, both in public and in private.

When a person enforces the fear of Allah upon themselves, it becomes a driving force that shapes their actions, intentions, and character. It motivates them to seek knowledge, to perform acts of worship, and to strive for moral excellence. This fear of Allah becomes a guiding principle that influences their choices and decisions, whether they are alone or in the company of others.

Moreover, obeying Allah in secret and in public reflects the sincerity and integrity of a person's faith. It demonstrates their commitment to Allah's commands, regardless of whether they are being watched or not. This consistency in obedience strengthens their relationship with Allah and helps them develop a strong moral compass.

The consequences of adhering to the fear of Allah and obeying Him in secret and in public are manifold. Firstly, it leads to the purification of the soul and the development of taqwa (God-consciousness). This taqwa acts as a shield against sin and wrongdoing, and it elevates a person's spiritual status.

Secondly, this adherence fosters a sense of accountability and responsibility. When a person is conscious of Allah's presence at all times, they become more mindful of their actions and their impact on themselves and others. This mindfulness leads to a heightened sense of responsibility in fulfilling their duties and obligations.

Thirdly, adhering to the fear of Allah and obeying Him in secret and in public cultivates a sense of humility and gratitude. When a person recognizes their dependence on Allah and acknowledges His blessings, they become more humble and grateful. This humility and gratitude manifest in their interactions with others, as they treat people with kindness, respect, and fairness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the blessedness of those who uphold the fear of Allah and obey Him in secret and in public. It calls upon Muslims to maintain a constant awareness of Allah's presence and to live in accordance with His guidance. By adhering to the fear of Allah and obeying Him, Muslims can attain spiritual growth, moral excellence, and a strong sense of accountability. May Allah grant us the ability to embody the teachings of this Hadith and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives.