Hadith #11193

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights three important signs of a God-wary person, also known as a Muttaqi. The Imam describes these signs as (sincerity in action) "إخْلاصُ العَمَلِ", (shortening of hopes and aspirations) "وقَصْرُ الأمَلِ", and (taking advantage of respite) "اغْتِنامُ المَهَلِ".

Let us delve into the meanings of these words to gain a deeper understanding. "إخْلاصُ العَمَلِ" refers to the sincerity and purity of intention behind one's actions. It implies that a Muttaqi performs their deeds solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His pleasure and not seeking any worldly gains or recognition. This concept is beautifully emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Zumar, verse 2, where Allah says,

Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book, [O Muhammad], in truth. So worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.

This verse reminds us of the importance of sincerity in our worship and actions.

The second sign mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "وقَصْرُ الأمَلِ," which means shortening of hopes and aspirations. This signifies that a Muttaqi does not excessively rely on worldly aspirations and desires. Instead, they focus on the eternal rewards and blessings of the Hereafter. This concept is beautifully illustrated in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, where Allah says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us to prioritize the pursuit of good deeds and the hope for eternal rewards over worldly pursuits.

The third sign mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "اغْتِنامُ المَهَلِ," which can be translated as taking advantage of respite. This refers to the wise and timely utilization of opportunities and moments of respite in one's life for the sake of Allah. A Muttaqi recognizes the value of time and seizes every opportunity to engage in acts of worship and righteousness. The Quran beautifully emphasizes the importance of utilizing time wisely in Surah Al-Asr, where Allah says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse reminds us of the fleeting nature of time and the need to make the most of every moment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) presents these three signs as essential qualities of a Muttaqi. By embodying sincerity in action, shortening hopes and aspirations, and taking advantage of respite, a person can attain a higher level of God-consciousness and spiritual excellence. These qualities serve as a roadmap for Muslims to navigate through the challenges of life while remaining steadfast in their devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of the importance of purifying our intentions, focusing on the eternal rewards, and making the most of every opportunity to draw closer to Allah. By embodying these qualities, we can strive to become true Muttaqis and attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to embody these qualities in our lives.