Hadith #10945

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Piety is the distinguishing mark of the God-wary.

The word "piety" in this Hadith is translated from the Arabic word (الْوَرَعُ) "al-wara". "Al-wara" refers to a state of cautiousness and fear of displeasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a comprehensive term that encompasses righteousness, mindfulness, and avoidance of anything that may lead to sin or disobedience.

To understand the significance of piety, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of God-consciousness and righteousness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 3:102)

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]

This verse highlights the need for piety as a fundamental aspect of faith and a prerequisite for a successful and meaningful life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, rather than in wealth, lineage, or worldly status. It is through piety that one attains true honor and distinction in the eyes of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the significance of piety by stating that it is the distinguishing mark of the God-wary. Piety serves as a distinguishing characteristic that sets apart the righteous individuals from others. It is a quality that manifests in one's actions, intentions, and overall conduct. The God-wary are those who are constantly aware of Allah's presence, seeking His pleasure in all aspects of their lives.

Piety is not limited to mere external acts of worship, but it encompasses every aspect of a person's life. It influences one's thoughts, intentions, and interactions with others. The God-wary are mindful of their responsibilities towards Allah and His creation. They strive to adhere to the teachings of Islam, seeking to please Allah in all their actions.

The consequences of piety are profound and far-reaching. It leads to a life of righteousness, contentment, and tranquility. The God-wary are guided by their fear of Allah, which prevents them from engaging in sinful behavior or succumbing to worldly temptations. Their piety acts as a shield, protecting them from the harmful consequences of immoral actions.

Moreover, piety motivates individuals to engage in acts of kindness, charity, and justice. It instills a sense of empathy and compassion towards others, as the God-wary recognize that their actions are ultimately accountable to Allah. They strive to fulfill their obligations towards their fellow human beings, seeking to establish justice and equity in society.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of cultivating piety in their lives. It serves as a guiding principle that shapes their character, actions, and relationships. By embodying piety, Muslims can attain a higher level of spiritual consciousness and draw closer to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of piety as the distinguishing mark of the God-wary. It is a comprehensive concept that encompasses righteousness, mindfulness, and avoidance of sin. Piety is emphasized in the Quran as a fundamental aspect of faith and a means to attain true honor and distinction in the sight of Allah. By cultivating piety, Muslims can lead a life of righteousness, contentment, and tranquility, while fulfilling their responsibilities towards Allah and His creation. May Allah grant us the ability to embody piety in our lives and attain His pleasure.