Hadith #3360

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ قَلَّتْ مَخافَتُهُ كَثُرَتْ آفَتُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose fear [of Allah] reduces, his affliction increases.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (makhafatuhu) "مَخافَتُهُ" refers to the fear or awe of Allah. It is the deep reverence and consciousness of His presence that motivates a person to avoid sins and strive for righteousness. The word (kathurat) "كَثُرَتْ" means to increase or multiply, while (afatuhu) "آفَتُهُ" refers to afflictions or calamities that befall a person.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse assures us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, does not place upon us hardships that we cannot endure. However, it is important to note that our level of fear and consciousness of Allah plays a significant role in how we face and overcome these afflictions.

When a person's fear of Allah diminishes, they become more susceptible to falling into sins and transgressions. This leads to a weakening of their spiritual state and a distancing from the path of righteousness. As a consequence, Allah may allow afflictions to increase in their life as a means of awakening them from their heedlessness and reminding them of their need for His guidance and protection.

Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Anfal (8:53),

That is because Allah would not change a favor which He had bestowed upon a people until they change what is within themselves.

This verse emphasizes that our actions and attitudes have a direct impact on the blessings and protection that Allah bestows upon us. When we neglect our duty to fear and obey Him, we risk losing the divine favor and inviting afflictions into our lives.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:10), Allah states,

Say, 'O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allah is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.'

This verse highlights the connection between the fear of Allah and the goodness and blessings that come with it. Those who maintain a strong sense of fear and consciousness of Allah will be granted goodness in this world and the hereafter, while also being granted patience and reward in the face of afflictions.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that the reduction of fear and consciousness of Allah leads to an increase in afflictions. This is not a punishment from Allah, but rather a consequence of our own choices and actions. It serves as a reminder for us to reevaluate our relationship with Allah, to renew our commitment to His obedience, and to seek His forgiveness and guidance.

As Muslims, we should strive to maintain a constant state of fear and consciousness of Allah, for it is through this fear that we find protection, guidance, and blessings. By adhering to His commands, avoiding sins, and seeking His forgiveness, we can strengthen our spiritual state and shield ourselves from unnecessary afflictions. May Allah grant us the ability to fear Him and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.