Hadith #11155

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) emphasizes the importance of God-wariness (taqwa) in all aspects of our lives. Taqwa is a comprehensive term that encompasses consciousness of Allah's presence, fear of His punishment, and striving to fulfill His commands and avoid His prohibitions. It is a state of mind and heart that guides our actions and intentions.

In this hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to espouse taqwa both in hiding and in the open. This means that we should maintain our piety and righteousness even when no one is watching us. Our actions and behavior should be consistent, whether we are in public or in private. This is because Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always aware of our deeds, and we should strive to please Him at all times.

The Imam also advises us to adhere to the truth in both anger and pleasure. This means that we should always speak the truth, regardless of our emotional state. When we are angry, it is easy to lose control and say things that are not true or hurtful. However, as Muslims, we are commanded to control our anger and speak the truth even in moments of anger. Similarly, in moments of pleasure or happiness, we should not let our emotions cloud our judgment and lead us to falsehood. Adhering to the truth in all situations reflects our sincerity and integrity as believers.

To further understand the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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.

This verse highlights the importance of taqwa as the best provision for our journey in this world. It is through taqwa that we can navigate the challenges and trials of life with righteousness and integrity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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 of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that the criterion for superiority and nobility in the sight of Allah is righteousness and taqwa. It is not based on wealth, status, or lineage, but rather on the level of one's piety and God-consciousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to always prioritize taqwa in their lives. By espousing taqwa in both private and public spheres, we demonstrate our commitment to Allah's commandments and strive to please Him alone. Adhering to the truth in all situations, even in moments of anger or pleasure, reflects our sincerity and integrity as believers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody taqwa in all aspects of our lives and may He accept our efforts.