Hadith #11163

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Kathratu al-taqwa 'unwanu wufuri al-wara'.

This Hadith emphasizes the significance of increased God-wariness as a symbol of abundant piety. To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words and their implications.

Firstly, "kathratu" refers to an increase or abundance, indicating that the level of taqwa, or God-wariness, is not fixed but can be elevated. Taqwa is the consciousness of Allah's presence and the fear of displeasing Him. It encompasses righteousness, piety, and the avoidance of sins. The word "taqwa" itself appears numerous times in the Quran, highlighting its importance in the life of a Muslim.

One such verse is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse emphasizes that taqwa is the ultimate provision for the journey of life. It is through taqwa that one can navigate the challenges of this world and attain success in the hereafter.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of taqwa is in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 among you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that the criterion for superiority in the sight of Allah is righteousness, which is closely linked to taqwa.

Moving on to the second part of the Hadith, "unwanu wufuri al-wara'," it refers to the symbol or manifestation of abundant piety. "Wara'" can be translated as piety, righteousness, or scrupulousness. It is the act of avoiding anything that may lead to sin or displeasure of Allah. The word "wara'" is derived from the root "wara'a," which means to abstain or refrain. It signifies a level of cautiousness and vigilance in one's actions and choices.

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

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa.

This verse highlights that taqwa is the best provision for the journey of life. It is through taqwa that one can navigate the challenges of this world and attain success in the hereafter.

When we reflect on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that increased God-wariness is not only a sign of piety but also a means to attain higher levels of righteousness. It is a continuous process of self-improvement and self-discipline. The more one increases their taqwa, the more they distance themselves from sin and strive towards righteousness.

By increasing our God-wariness, we become more conscious of our actions, intentions, and the consequences they may have. It motivates us to seek knowledge, adhere to the teachings of Islam, and make choices that align with the principles of righteousness. This heightened awareness enables us to avoid sins and fulfill our duties towards Allah and His creation.

Moreover, increased taqwa leads to a transformation in our character and behavior. It instills in us a sense of humility, gratitude, and empathy. We become more mindful of the rights of others and strive to fulfill our responsibilities towards them. This, in turn, fosters harmonious relationships within society and promotes justice and compassion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of increasing our God-wariness as a symbol of abundant piety. It urges us to continuously strive for higher levels of taqwa, which is the consciousness of Allah's presence and the fear of displeasing Him. Through increased taqwa, we can attain righteousness, avoid sins, and fulfill our duties towards Allah and His creation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to increase our taqwa and lead a life of piety and righteousness.