Hadith #11156

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

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of acquiring taqwa, which can be translated as God-wariness or piety. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises the Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, to embrace taqwa as it is the best provision for the journey of life and the most protective armor against the trials and tribulations that we may encounter.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this profound hadith. The word "taqwa" comes from the root word "waqa" which means to protect or shield oneself. It implies being conscious of Allah's presence and His commandments, and striving to avoid anything that displeases Him. Taqwa is a comprehensive concept that encompasses righteousness, fear of Allah, and mindfulness of His presence in all aspects of our lives.

The hadith highlights the significance of taqwa as the best provision for our journey in this world. Just as a traveler prepares provisions to sustain themselves on a long and arduous journey, taqwa serves as the spiritual provision that nourishes and sustains our souls. It provides us with the strength and guidance we need to navigate the challenges and temptations of life.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of taqwa in numerous verses of the Quran. 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 necessity of taqwa in our lives and reminds us that true success lies in living a life of submission to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (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, rather than in worldly status or wealth.

The hadith also mentions that taqwa is the most protective accoutrement. Just as armor shields a warrior from harm in battle, taqwa acts as our spiritual armor, safeguarding us from the evils and temptations of this world. It protects us from falling into sin, from being swayed by desires, and from being influenced by negative influences.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us of the protective nature of taqwa in the Quran. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 6:17)

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good - then He is over all things competent

This verse reminds us that when we have taqwa, Allah will protect us from harm and guide us through difficult times.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to embrace taqwa as it is the key to success in this life and the hereafter. It is through taqwa that we attain closeness to Allah and attain His pleasure. Taqwa enables us to make righteous choices, to fulfill our obligations, and to treat others with kindness and justice.

Let us reflect on the impactful words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to cultivate taqwa in our lives. By doing so, we will not only attain success in this world but also earn the pleasure of Allah and the eternal rewards of the hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to embrace taqwa and may He bless us with His guidance and protection.