Hadith #11154

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

عَلَيْكَ بِالتَّقْوى فَإنَّهُ أشْرَفُ نَسَب۔

This can be translated as,

Espouse God-wariness, for indeed it is the most honourable distinction.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. (taqwa) "تَقْوَى" refers to God-wariness or piety. It is the consciousness of Allah's presence and the fear of displeasing Him. It encompasses a person's actions, thoughts, and intentions, all of which are aligned with the commandments of Allah. (ashrafu) "أشْرَفُ" means the most honorable or noble, indicating that taqwa is the highest and most esteemed quality one can possess.

The significance of taqwa is emphasized in the Quran in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah 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 of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that the most honorable among people are those who possess righteousness and taqwa.

Another verse that supports the importance of taqwa is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah says,

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

This verse emphasizes that taqwa is the best provision for the journey of life, indicating its significance and superiority over worldly possessions.

Now, let us reflect on the profound exegesis of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, advises Muslims to embrace taqwa as it is the most honorable distinction one can possess. Taqwa is not merely an external display of religious practices, but a comprehensive state of consciousness and mindfulness of Allah's presence in every aspect of our lives.

By espousing taqwa, we become aware of our actions, thoughts, and intentions, ensuring they align with the teachings of Islam. This consciousness leads us to refrain from sinful acts and encourages us to engage in righteous deeds. Taqwa motivates us to fulfill our obligations towards Allah and His creation, to be just, compassionate, and honest in our dealings, and to strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

The consequences of embracing taqwa are manifold. It brings us closer to Allah, strengthens our relationship with Him, and increases our love for Him. Taqwa also serves as a shield against the temptations and distractions of this world, protecting us from falling into sin and guiding us towards the path of righteousness. It purifies our hearts, enhances our character, and elevates our status in the sight of Allah.

Moreover, taqwa fosters unity and harmony among Muslims. When individuals prioritize taqwa, they prioritize the pleasure of Allah over personal desires and interests. This mindset creates an environment of mutual respect, empathy, and cooperation within the Muslim community, fostering a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of embracing taqwa as the most honorable distinction. By cultivating taqwa, we align our actions with the commandments of Allah, purify our hearts, and strengthen our relationship with Him. Taqwa motivates us to strive for excellence in all aspects of life, leading to personal growth and the betterment of society. May Allah grant us the ability to embrace taqwa and attain the highest levels of righteousness.