Hadith #11107

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being conscious of our duty towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving to attain His pleasure. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Be wary of your duty towards Allah with the wariness that is due to Him.

The word (Ittaqullah) "اتَّقُوا" is derived from the root word (waqa) "وَقَى", which means to protect or guard oneself. It implies being conscious of Allah's presence at all times and being mindful of His commands and prohibitions. This consciousness should be accompanied by a sense of awe and reverence, as we recognize the greatness and majesty of Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran supports the concept of "Ittaqullah" in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (consciousness of Allah).

Here, Taqwa is described as the best provision for the journey of life. It is a shield that protects us from falling into sin and guides us towards righteousness.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Strive to attain His pleasure.

The word (Wasa'u) "وَاسْعَوْا" is derived from the root word (saa) "سَعَى", which means to strive or make an effort. It implies actively seeking to please Allah and doing good deeds to earn His pleasure. This requires sincerity, dedication, and consistency in our worship and righteous actions.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:35) beautifully captures this concept,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.

Here, Allah encourages us to seek the means of nearness to Him and strive in His cause, indicating that our efforts to please Him will lead to success in this life and the Hereafter.

The final part of the Hadith states,

Be cautious of what He has warned you about from His painful chastisement.

The word (Hatharakum) "حَذَّرَكُمْ" is derived from the root word (hadhara) "حَذَرَ", which means to be cautious or wary. It reminds us to be mindful of the consequences of our actions and to avoid anything that may lead to Allah's punishment.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:131), Allah warns,

And beware of the Fire prepared for the disbelievers.

This verse serves as a reminder that we should be cautious of engaging in actions that may lead us away from the path of righteousness and towards the painful chastisement of Hellfire.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that being conscious of our duty towards Allah, striving to attain His pleasure, and being cautious of His warnings are essential components of a believer's journey towards spiritual growth and salvation. It reminds us to constantly evaluate our actions, intentions, and choices, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, provides us with this timeless guidance, urging us to be mindful of our relationship with Allah and to strive for His pleasure. May we all internalize these teachings and apply them in our daily lives, seeking Allah's mercy and forgiveness. And Allah knows best.