Hadith #3365

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 beautiful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the essence of true security and tranquility. The Imam states,

The best means of [arriving at] security is fear [of Allah].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (matiyyah) "مَطِيَّةُ" in the Arabic text refers to a means or a way. It signifies a path or a method that leads to a particular outcome. In this context, it refers to the means of attaining security. The word (al-amn) "الأمْنِ" means security, peace, or tranquility. It represents a state of being free from harm, fear, or danger. On the other hand, the word (al-khawf) "الخَوْفُ" means fear or awe.

To understand the impactful message of this hadith, we must turn to the Quran, which serves as the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of fearing Him and the numerous benefits that arise from it.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:197)

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (fear of Allah). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

Here, Allah highlights that the best provision for our journey in this life is the fear of Him. It is through this fear that we attain true security and protection.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah states, (49:13)

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 true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness, which is deeply rooted in the fear of Allah. It is through this fear that we attain the highest ranks in the sight of our Creator.

The fear of Allah is not a fear of punishment or retribution, but rather a fear of displeasing Him and falling short in fulfilling our duties towards Him. It is a fear that stems from our love and reverence for Allah and our desire to please Him in all aspects of our lives.

When we truly fear Allah, it motivates us to be conscious of our actions and choices. It becomes a driving force that prevents us from engaging in sinful behavior and encourages us to strive for righteousness. This fear acts as a shield, protecting us from the harms and temptations of this world.

Moreover, the fear of Allah instills in us a sense of accountability and responsibility. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we will be held accountable for them. This awareness leads to self-reflection, self-correction, and a constant striving towards self-improvement.

The fear of Allah also brings about a sense of humility and submission. It reminds us of our dependence on Allah and our need for His guidance and mercy. It humbles us before our Creator and strengthens our relationship with Him.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's enlightening saying,

The best means of [arriving at] security is fear [of Allah],

highlights the importance of cultivating the fear of Allah in our hearts. It is through this fear that we attain true security, peace, and tranquility in this life and the hereafter. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny, we can strive to attain this fear and experience the profound benefits it brings. May Allah grant us the ability to fear Him sincerely and may He bless us with true security and tranquility.