Hadith #11095

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) states,

God-wariness is the fruit of faith and the sign of certitude.

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

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. "Taqwa" is translated as "God-wariness" or "piety." It refers to being conscious of Allah's presence, fearing His punishment, and striving to obey His commands. "Thamarat" means "fruit," symbolizing the outcome or result of something. "Deen" refers to "faith" or "religion," encompassing the entire system of beliefs and practices. "Amara" signifies "sign" or "indicator," highlighting the visible manifestation of something. "Yaqeen" means "certitude" or "conviction," indicating a deep and unwavering belief.

To understand the significance of God-wariness as the fruit of faith and the sign of certitude, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes that the most honorable and noble among the believers are those who possess taqwa, or God-wariness. It is through taqwa that one attains righteousness and excellence in the sight of Allah. Thus, taqwa is the fruit of faith, as it is the outcome of a sincere and deep-rooted belief in Allah and His commands.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 the journey of life. Just as one prepares provisions for a physical journey, taqwa is the spiritual provision that sustains and guides a believer throughout their life. It is through taqwa that one remains conscious of Allah's presence, seeks His guidance, and avoids actions that displease Him. Thus, taqwa is the sign of certitude, as it reflects a firm and unwavering conviction in the existence and power of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the essence of faith and its manifestation in the form of taqwa. Faith is not merely a set of beliefs, but a transformative force that should permeate every aspect of a believer's life. It is through taqwa that faith becomes tangible and visible, guiding one's thoughts, actions, and interactions with others.

When a person possesses taqwa, it influences their behavior and choices. They strive to fulfill their obligations towards Allah and His creation, seeking His pleasure above all else. Taqwa acts as a shield, protecting one from the temptations and distractions of this world. It motivates a person to do good, avoid evil, and constantly seek self-improvement.

The consequences of taqwa are profound. It leads to a life of righteousness, contentment, and inner peace. It strengthens the bond between the believer and Allah, as they constantly strive to please Him and seek His forgiveness. Taqwa also fosters a sense of accountability, as the believer is aware that their actions are being witnessed by Allah. This awareness serves as a constant reminder to act with integrity and sincerity.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of cultivating taqwa in their lives. It is not enough to merely profess faith; one must strive to embody it through God-wariness. By doing so, they will bear the fruits of faith and become a sign of certitude for others. May Allah grant us the ability to develop taqwa and may it be a guiding force in our lives.