Hadith #11152

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

طُوبَى لِمَنْ أَشْعَرَ التَّقْوَى قَلْبَهُ

which translates to

Blessed is the one who fills his heart with God-wariness.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ash'ara) "أشْعَرَ" in this Hadith means to fill or saturate. It signifies the act of completely occupying and permeating one's heart with a particular quality or attribute. In this case, the attribute being referred to is (taqwa) "التَّقْوَى", which is often translated as God-wariness, piety, or consciousness of Allah.

Taqwa is a comprehensive concept in Islam that encompasses a deep sense of reverence, fear, and awareness of Allah's presence. It is the shield that protects us from indulging in sinful actions and leads us towards righteousness. The Quran emphasizes the importance of taqwa in numerous verses, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197, where Allah says,

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

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of filling one's heart with taqwa. This implies that taqwa should not be limited to mere external actions or rituals, but it should penetrate deep into the core of our being. It should be the driving force behind our thoughts, intentions, and actions.

When a person truly fills their heart with taqwa, it becomes the guiding principle of their life. They become conscious of Allah's presence in every aspect of their existence. This consciousness influences their choices, decisions, and interactions with others. They strive to please Allah in all their affairs, seeking His pleasure and avoiding anything that may displease Him.

The consequences of filling one's heart with taqwa are manifold. Firstly, it leads to a sense of inner peace and tranquility. When we are conscious of Allah and constantly striving to please Him, we find solace in knowing that we are on the right path. This inner peace is a result of aligning our hearts and actions with the divine will.

Secondly, taqwa serves as a protection against sin and wrongdoing. When our hearts are filled with taqwa, we become more vigilant and cautious about our actions. We are less likely to engage in sinful behavior because we are aware of the consequences and the displeasure it brings to Allah.

Furthermore, filling our hearts with taqwa strengthens our relationship with Allah. It deepens our love for Him and our desire to draw closer to Him. This love and closeness to Allah motivate us to perform acts of worship, seek knowledge, and engage in righteous deeds. It becomes a driving force in our spiritual journey.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of filling our hearts with taqwa. It is not merely an external display of piety but a state of consciousness that should permeate every aspect of our lives. By doing so, we attain inner peace, protection from sin, and a stronger relationship with Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to fill our hearts with taqwa and bless us with His guidance and mercy.