Hadith #3332

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "Al-wajal shi'arul mu'mineen." This can be translated as,

Fear [of Allah] is the distinguishing feature of the believers.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quranic teachings.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. "Wajal" refers to fear or awe, while "shi'ar" means a distinguishing feature or a symbol. "Mu'mineen" refers to the believers, those who have faith in Allah and follow His guidance.

The concept of fear in this Hadith is not to be understood as a paralyzing terror, but rather as a deep sense of awe and reverence towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a recognition of His greatness, His power, and His authority over all creation. This fear is rooted in love and respect for Allah, and it serves as a driving force for believers to strive towards righteousness and avoid sin.

The Quranic teachings emphasize the importance of fear of Allah as a fundamental aspect of faith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:197)

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

This verse highlights that fear of Allah is the ultimate provision for the believers, guiding them towards righteousness and wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, Allah states, (Quran 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 distinction in the sight of Allah is not based on worldly status or wealth, but rather on righteousness and fear of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights in this Hadith that fear of Allah is the distinguishing feature of the believers. It sets them apart from those who do not possess this quality. This fear acts as a guiding light, directing the believers towards piety, humility, and obedience to Allah's commands.

The fear of Allah motivates the believers to constantly strive for self-improvement and to avoid actions that displease Him. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of our actions and encourages us to be mindful of our choices. This fear is not driven by a desire to escape punishment, but rather by a genuine concern for our relationship with Allah and a desire to attain His pleasure.

The fear of Allah also has profound consequences in the life of a believer. It serves as a shield against temptations and sins, as Allah says in the Quran, (Quran 64:16)

So fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey and spend [in the way of Allah]; it is better for your selves. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights that fear of Allah enables believers to overcome their own desires and inclinations, leading to success in this life and the hereafter.

Moreover, the fear of Allah instills a sense of accountability and responsibility in the hearts of believers. It reminds them that they will be answerable for their actions on the Day of Judgment. This awareness encourages them to be mindful of their deeds and to seek forgiveness and repentance when they fall short.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of fear of Allah as the distinguishing feature of the believers. This fear is not a paralyzing terror, but a deep sense of awe and reverence towards Allah. It serves as a driving force for believers to strive towards righteousness, avoid sin, and seek the pleasure of Allah. The fear of Allah motivates believers to constantly improve themselves, shields them from temptations, and reminds them of their accountability. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate this fear in our hearts and may it be a means of our success in this life and the hereafter.