Hadith #11108

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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) emphasizes the importance of being conscious of our duty towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in various aspects of our lives. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (taqiyyah) "تَقِيَّةَ", which can be translated as "wariness" or "consciousness." This term implies a deep sense of awareness and vigilance towards fulfilling our obligations to Allah. It encompasses a state of mind that is constantly mindful of Allah's presence and seeks to align one's actions with His commands.

To support the concept of taqiyyah, we find numerous verses in the Quran. For instance, Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

Here, taqwa is described as the best provision for the journey of life, highlighting its significance in our relationship with Allah.

The Hadith then mentions the actions that should be accompanied by taqiyyah. The first action is (sami'a) "سَمِعَ", which means "hears" or "listens." In the context of the Hadith, it refers to one who attentively listens to the message of guidance and humbly submits to it. This emphasizes the importance of actively seeking knowledge and internalizing it with sincerity and humility.

Allah encourages us to listen attentively to His message in Surah Al-A'raf (7:204),

So when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the significance of actively listening to the Quran, as it is a means of attaining Allah's mercy and guidance.

The next action mentioned in the Hadith is (iqtarafa) "اقْتَرَفَ", which can be translated as "commits a misdeed" or "errs." This highlights the reality of human fallibility and the inevitability of making mistakes. However, what sets a believer apart is their willingness to acknowledge their errors and seek forgiveness.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:23), Allah addresses Adam and Eve after they committed a mistake, saying,

They said, 'Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.'

This verse exemplifies the importance of confessing our misdeeds and seeking Allah's forgiveness, as demonstrated by our first parents.

The Hadith then mentions the action of (a'lima) "عَلِمَ", which means "learns" or "acquires knowledge." This highlights the significance of seeking knowledge and understanding the truth. When one acquires knowledge, it should instill a sense of awe and fear of Allah, as it unveils the vastness of His wisdom and the depth of His guidance.

In Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), Allah says,

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the elevated status of those who possess knowledge and highlights the importance of seeking knowledge to increase our awareness and reverence for Allah.

The Hadith also mentions the action of (hathara) "حاذَرَ", which can be translated as "is cautious" or "is watchful." This implies being mindful of the consequences of our actions in the Hereafter and taking proactive measures to ensure that we are on the right path. It involves being vigilant and avoiding anything that may lead us astray.

In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah warns us,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being cautious and mindful of our actions, as we will be held accountable for them in the Hereafter.

Lastly, the Hadith mentions the action of (amila) "عَمِلَ", which means "performs an action" or "does." This highlights the importance of translating our knowledge and intentions into righteous actions. It emphasizes the significance of not only doing good deeds but also doing them with excellence and sincerity.

In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115), Allah says,

Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we are created for a purpose. It emphasizes the importance of performing righteous deeds with excellence, as they are a means of drawing closer to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with profound guidance on how to fulfill our duty towards Allah. It emphasizes the importance of being conscious of Allah in all aspects of our lives, from listening attentively to His message, acknowledging our mistakes, seeking knowledge, being cautious of our actions, and performing them with excellence. By embodying these qualities, we can strive to attain a deeper connection with Allah and lead a life that is pleasing to Him. May Allah grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives.