Hadith #11100

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اِتَّقِ تَفُزْ۔" which translates to

Be God-wary and you will succeed [in this world and the next].

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect or school of thought.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us first delve into the meanings of the key words. (Ittaqi) "اِتَّقِ" is derived from the root word "وَقَى" which means to protect, guard, or be cautious. It refers to the act of being conscious and aware of Allah's presence, His commandments, and the consequences of one's actions. (Tafuz) "تَفُزْ" means to succeed, to achieve victory, or to attain salvation.

The importance of God-consciousness, or Taqwa, is emphasized throughout the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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.

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

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

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes the Quranic teachings on Taqwa. By being God-wary and conscious of our actions, intentions, and responsibilities, we are able to navigate through the challenges of this world and attain success in both our worldly affairs and the hereafter.

Practicing Taqwa entails adhering to the teachings of Islam, fulfilling our obligations, and avoiding sins and transgressions. It requires us to constantly reflect upon our actions and intentions, seeking Allah's pleasure in all that we do. Taqwa is not limited to acts of worship but encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our interactions with others, our business dealings, and our personal conduct.

When we embody Taqwa, we become aware of the consequences of our actions. We strive to uphold justice, honesty, and integrity in all our affairs. We are mindful of the rights of others and seek to fulfill them. Taqwa motivates us to be compassionate, forgiving, and humble, as these qualities are beloved to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of practicing Taqwa are manifold. In this world, it brings peace, contentment, and blessings. It protects us from falling into the traps of worldly temptations and guides us towards a life of righteousness and piety. Taqwa also serves as a shield against the whispers of Shaytan, enabling us to resist his temptations and remain steadfast on the straight path.

In the hereafter, Taqwa is the key to attaining salvation and eternal success. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (muttaqi) of you.

Those who possess Taqwa will be granted the highest ranks in Paradise and will be saved from the torment of Hellfire.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating Taqwa in our lives. It is a continuous journey of self-improvement and self-discipline. By being God-wary, we can navigate through the challenges of this world and attain success in both our temporal and eternal pursuits.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody Taqwa and may He bless us with success in this world and the hereafter.