Hadith #90

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) emphasizes the importance of combining righteous actions with the fear of Allah (تَقْوَى). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, highlights that an action accompanied by the consciousness and fear of Allah will never fail. This fear of Allah is not a fear of punishment, but rather a deep reverence and awareness of His presence and His commandments.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (amal) "عَمَلٌ" refers to any action or deed performed by an individual. It encompasses both physical acts and internal intentions. The word (taqwa) "تَقْوَى" is often translated as "fear of Allah" or "piety." It is derived from the root word "وَقَى" which means to protect or shield oneself from anything that may displease Allah. Taqwa is a comprehensive concept that encompasses consciousness, mindfulness, and righteousness in all aspects of life.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:102)

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 emphasizes the importance of having taqwa and fearing Allah in the true sense, as it is the key to attaining success in this life and the hereafter.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and taqwa, not in worldly possessions or status. It further emphasizes that Allah is fully aware of our actions and intentions.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that actions alone are not sufficient; they must be accompanied by taqwa. When we perform actions with the consciousness and fear of Allah, our deeds become sincere and accepted by Him. This acceptance leads to the success and fulfillment of our actions, as Allah blesses and rewards those who strive to please Him.

For example, if a person prays with the intention of fulfilling their obligation towards Allah and with the fear of not meeting His expectations, their prayer becomes more meaningful and impactful. Their focus and devotion during the prayer are heightened, and they are more likely to attain spiritual tranquility and closeness to Allah.

Conversely, if a person performs an action without taqwa, it may lack sincerity and fail to achieve its desired outcome. For instance, if someone gives charity merely to show off or gain recognition, their act loses its value and may not be accepted by Allah. This is because the intention behind the action is not aligned with the fear and consciousness of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to combine their actions with taqwa. It emphasizes that actions performed with the fear and consciousness of Allah are never in vain, as they are accepted by Him. By aligning our intentions and actions with taqwa, we can strive for sincerity, righteousness, and ultimate success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to live a life of taqwa and accept our actions.