Hadith #11141

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إِنِ اتَّقَيْتَ اللَّهَ وَقَاكَ

which translates to

If you fear Allah, He will protect you.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of God-consciousness and the divine protection that comes with it.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ittaqa) "اتَّقَيْتَ" is derived from the root word (taqwa) "تَقْوَى", which encompasses the concept of God-consciousness, piety, and fear of displeasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of being aware of Allah's presence, His commandments, and striving to avoid anything that may lead to His displeasure.

The word (waqaka) "وَقَاكَ" is derived from the root word (waqaya) "وَقَايَة", which means protection, safeguarding, or preservation. In this context, it refers to Allah's protection and care for those who fear Him. It implies that when a person is conscious of Allah and refrains from sinful actions, Allah will shield them from harm, both in this world and the hereafter.

The Quranic verses support and reinforce the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent

This verse highlights the divine promise of Allah's protection and provision for those who fear Him. It assures us that Allah will create solutions for our difficulties and provide sustenance from unexpected sources. This protection is not limited to physical safety but also encompasses emotional, spiritual, and material well-being.

Another verse that complements this Hadith is found in Surah At-Talaq, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 65:4)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him of his matter ease

This verse assures us that when we have taqwa, Allah will facilitate our affairs and make our path easier.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that by cultivating taqwa, we not only attain spiritual closeness to Allah but also receive His divine protection and guidance. When we fear Allah, we become more conscious of our actions, thoughts, and intentions, striving to align them with His commandments. This consciousness acts as a shield, guarding us against the temptations of the world and the traps of Shaytan.

Practically, fearing Allah leads us to refrain from engaging in sinful behavior, such as lying, cheating, backbiting, and indulging in forbidden desires. It motivates us to fulfill our obligations towards Allah and His creation, such as performing the obligatory prayers, giving charity, being kind to others, and upholding justice.

The consequence of fearing Allah is not only protection in this life but also in the hereafter. On the Day of Judgment, those who feared Allah and lived a righteous life will be granted entry into Paradise, where they will be eternally protected from any harm or suffering.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of taqwa in our lives. It serves as a guiding principle that shapes our actions, decisions, and interactions. By fearing Allah, we seek His pleasure and protection, knowing that He is the ultimate source of security and well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that if we fear Allah, He will protect us. This protection encompasses all aspects of our lives, providing us with guidance, ease, and security. By cultivating taqwa, we attain closeness to Allah and safeguard ourselves from the pitfalls of sin and disobedience. May Allah grant us the ability to fear Him and protect us in this world and the hereafter.