Hadith #11153

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of embracing "God-wariness" or "Taqwa" as it is known in Arabic. Taqwa is a comprehensive term that encompasses consciousness of Allah, fear of His displeasure, and striving to avoid anything that may lead to His wrath. It is the essence of piety and righteousness, and it is the character trait that distinguished the Prophets (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) throughout history.

To understand the significance of Taqwa, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. "Taqwa" is derived from the Arabic root word "waqa" which means to protect or shield oneself. It implies being cautious and vigilant in avoiding anything that may displease Allah. It is a state of mind and heart that leads to righteous actions and a virtuous life.

The Hadith highlights that Taqwa is the character of the Prophets (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This means that the Prophets were the epitome of God-wariness. They were deeply conscious of Allah's presence, constantly aware of His commands, and committed to following His guidance in every aspect of their lives. Their devotion to Taqwa enabled them to fulfill their mission of delivering Allah's message and guiding humanity towards righteousness.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of Taqwa and its association with the Prophets. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

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 clearly establishes that the most honorable and noble individuals in the sight of Allah are those who possess Taqwa. It is not based on lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but rather on the level of God-wariness one has attained. This aligns perfectly with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), as it emphasizes that Taqwa is the character of the Prophets, who were the epitome of righteousness and piety.

Another verse that supports the importance of Taqwa is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197):

Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

In this verse, Allah emphasizes that the best provision one can take for the journey of Hajj is Taqwa. It is not the physical supplies or material possessions that matter most, but rather the state of consciousness and righteousness that one carries within. This further reinforces the idea that Taqwa is the key characteristic that should be cultivated and embraced by Muslims.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that embracing Taqwa is not only a means to attain nearness to Allah and righteousness, but it is also a reflection of the character of the Prophets. By embodying Taqwa, we align ourselves with the noble examples set by the Prophets, who were chosen by Allah to guide humanity.

Furthermore, the Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for Taqwa in their daily lives. It reminds us that the path to righteousness and piety lies in cultivating a deep consciousness of Allah's presence and striving to avoid anything that may displease Him. It encourages us to constantly reflect on our actions, intentions, and thoughts, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam.

The consequences of embracing Taqwa are profound. It leads to a life of righteousness, moral integrity, and spiritual growth. It helps us navigate the challenges and temptations of this world, enabling us to make choices that are pleasing to Allah. Taqwa also serves as a shield against sins and wrongdoing, protecting us from the harmful consequences of our actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of embracing Taqwa, which is the character of the Prophets. It urges Muslims to strive for God-wariness in their lives, aligning themselves with the noble examples set by the Prophets. By cultivating Taqwa, Muslims can attain nearness to Allah, righteousness, and moral integrity. May Allah grant us the ability to embrace Taqwa and follow in the footsteps of the Prophets.