Hadith #11164

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 attaining success in the Hereafter by adopting the quality of "God-wariness" or "taqwa" in Arabic. Taqwa is a comprehensive term that encompasses righteousness, piety, and consciousness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of being aware of Allah's presence and constantly striving to please Him in all aspects of life.

To understand the significance of taqwa in Islam, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of taqwa and its role in attaining success in the Hereafter. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah 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 highlights the importance of taqwa as a fundamental aspect of faith. It is a reminder to Muslims to have a deep reverence for Allah and to live their lives in accordance with His commands.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

(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 emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and taqwa. It is not based on wealth, status, or lineage, but rather on the level of one's consciousness and obedience to Allah.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises that whoever desires success in the Hereafter must adopt taqwa. This statement reflects the profound wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali, who was renowned for his deep understanding of the teachings of Islam.

By emphasizing the importance of taqwa, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the need for Muslims to constantly strive for self-improvement and self-discipline. Taqwa serves as a guiding principle in all aspects of life, including personal conduct, relationships, and decision-making.

When one possesses taqwa, they are conscious of Allah's presence and are motivated to act in accordance with His commands. This consciousness leads to a heightened sense of responsibility and accountability. It prevents one from engaging in sinful behavior and encourages them to seek forgiveness for their shortcomings.

Moreover, taqwa acts as a shield against the temptations and distractions of the worldly life. It helps individuals to prioritize their actions and intentions, ensuring that they are aligned with the teachings of Islam. By constantly striving to please Allah and seeking His pleasure, one can attain success in the Hereafter.

The consequences of adopting taqwa are profound. It not only guarantees success in the Hereafter but also brings about tranquility and contentment in this worldly life. When one lives a life of taqwa, they experience a sense of inner peace and fulfillment, knowing that they are living in accordance with Allah's will.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of taqwa in attaining success in the Hereafter. By adopting taqwa, individuals can lead a righteous and purposeful life, constantly striving to please Allah and seeking His pleasure. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate taqwa in our hearts and guide us to success in this life and the Hereafter.