Hadith #11122

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.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully compares two contrasting concepts: (God-wariness) "taqwa" and (impiety) "fujur". Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes "taqwa" as a strong fortress, a place of refuge and protection for those who seek it. On the other hand, he portrays "fujur" as a dilapidated fortress, weak and unable to safeguard its inhabitants or provide security for those who seek shelter within it.

To fully understand the depth and significance of this hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key terms used. "Taqwa" is derived from the Arabic root word "waqa", which means to protect or shield oneself. It refers to a state of consciousness and mindfulness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), wherein one strives to avoid anything that displeases Him and diligently seeks to fulfill His commands. "Fujur", on the other hand, refers to impiety, transgression, and the abandonment of moral boundaries.

The concept of "taqwa" is extensively emphasized in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly encourages believers to cultivate it. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (muttaqi) of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that the true measure of nobility and superiority lies in one's level of righteousness and God-wariness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes that the most essential provision for the journey of life is taqwa. It is through taqwa that one attains true understanding and guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares taqwa to a strong fortress, a place of refuge and protection. Just as a fortress provides safety and security from external threats, taqwa serves as a shield against the temptations and trials of this world. It acts as a barrier between the believer and sin, preventing them from falling into disobedience and transgression. Taqwa enables individuals to navigate through life's challenges with wisdom, patience, and resilience, seeking Allah's pleasure in all their actions.

In contrast, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes "fujur" as a dilapidated fortress, weak and unable to protect its inhabitants. Just as a crumbling fortress fails to offer security and shelter, impiety and transgression provide no refuge or peace of mind. Those who indulge in disobedience and disregard the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) find themselves vulnerable to the consequences of their actions. They are left exposed to the destructive forces of sin, which can lead to spiritual and moral decay.

The consequences of taqwa and fujur are evident in both this world and the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights that taqwa leads to divine assistance, guidance, and forgiveness. It serves as a criterion to distinguish between right and wrong, enabling believers to make sound decisions and avoid harmful paths.

On the other hand, the consequences of fujur are severe. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:19), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient.

This verse illustrates that those who neglect their duty towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and indulge in impiety ultimately lose themselves. They become disconnected from their true purpose and are left in a state of confusion and despair.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for taqwa and avoid fujur. Taqwa acts as a fortress, providing protection, guidance, and peace of mind, while fujur leads to vulnerability, moral decay, and spiritual ruin. By cultivating taqwa, we can navigate through life's challenges with strength and resilience, seeking Allah's pleasure in all our actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to attain taqwa and protect us from the pitfalls of impiety.