Hadith #2973

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a wise utterance that highlights the significance of piety and its role in shaping one's character and actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Far be it! If there was no command of piety, I would have been the most cunning of all the Arabs.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (taqwa) "تُّقى" refers to piety, righteousness, and God-consciousness. It encompasses the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the constant effort to adhere to His commands and avoid His prohibitions. The word (adhha) "أدْهَى" means cunning, deceitful, or crafty. It implies the ability to manipulate and deceive others for personal gain.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of taqwa in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah 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 (أتقاكُمْ).

This verse clearly establishes that the criterion for superiority in the sight of Allah is taqwa.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah states,

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

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

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quranic teachings. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acknowledges that if it were not for the command of taqwa, he would have been the most cunning of all the Arabs. This statement highlights the immense power and influence of taqwa in shaping one's character and actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his unparalleled knowledge, wisdom, and piety. His deep understanding of the Quran and his unwavering commitment to taqwa enabled him to rise above the temptations of worldly desires and personal gain. He recognized that without the guidance of taqwa, even the most knowledgeable and intelligent individuals can fall prey to deceit and manipulation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for all Muslims to prioritize taqwa in their lives. It is a call to constantly evaluate our intentions, actions, and choices in light of the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By cultivating taqwa, we can protect ourselves from the pitfalls of deceit and cunningness, and instead strive for righteousness and sincerity in all aspects of our lives.

The consequences of neglecting taqwa are dire. Without taqwa, individuals may be driven by selfish desires, leading to dishonesty, manipulation, and exploitation. This not only harms others but also tarnishes one's own character and spiritual well-being. Conversely, by embracing taqwa, we can establish a foundation of integrity, honesty, and sincerity, which in turn fosters trust, harmony, and justice within society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role of taqwa in shaping our character and actions. It highlights the potential dangers of neglecting taqwa and the transformative power it holds in guiding us towards righteousness. As Muslims, we should strive to emulate the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) by prioritizing taqwa in our lives, seeking knowledge, and constantly evaluating our intentions and actions in light of the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate and maintain taqwa in all aspects of our lives.