Hadith #11175

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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاحِصْنَ أمْنَعُ مِنَ التَّقْوى۔

This can be translated as,

There is no fortress more impenetrable than God-wariness.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (hisn) "حِصْنَ" in Arabic refers to a fortress or a stronghold, a place of protection and defense. It symbolizes a place of refuge and safety from external threats. In this hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares the concept of God-wariness or (taqwa) "تَّقْوى" to a fortress. Taqwa is a comprehensive term that encompasses consciousness of Allah, fear of His punishment, and adherence to His commands.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of taqwa in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

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

Here, taqwa is described as the best provision for the journey of life. It is the shield that protects us from falling into sin and guides us towards righteousness.

Another verse that highlights the significance of taqwa is found in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 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.

This verse emphasizes that the true measure of nobility and superiority lies in taqwa, not in wealth, lineage, or worldly status.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asserts that taqwa is the strongest fortress, implying that it provides the ultimate protection and security for a believer. Just as a fortress shields its inhabitants from external threats, taqwa safeguards a person from the temptations and evils of this world. It acts as a shield against the whispers of Shaytan and the allure of sinful desires.

When a person possesses taqwa, they become vigilant and cautious about their actions, thoughts, and intentions. They are constantly aware of Allah's presence and strive to please Him in all aspects of life. Taqwa motivates individuals to fulfill their obligations, avoid prohibited actions, and seek forgiveness for their shortcomings. It instills a sense of accountability and responsibility, leading to a righteous and God-conscious lifestyle.

The consequences of cultivating taqwa are profound. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises numerous rewards for those who possess taqwa. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 7, Allah says,

And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance, and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.

Here, Allah highlights that taqwa leads to the love of faith and the abhorrence of disbelief and disobedience.

Reflecting on this hadith, we can see that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to prioritize the cultivation of taqwa in their lives. Just as a fortress provides security and protection, taqwa shields us from the harms and pitfalls of this world. It is through taqwa that we can attain true success and nearness to Allah.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of taqwa as the strongest fortress. By cultivating taqwa, we fortify ourselves against the temptations and evils of this world. Taqwa acts as a shield, protecting us from falling into sin and guiding us towards righteousness. Let us strive to strengthen our taqwa and seek refuge in this impenetrable fortress, for it is through taqwa that we can attain the pleasure of Allah and secure our eternal salvation.