Hadith #4070

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states that the true measure of a person's religiosity can be determined by two important qualities: (تَقْوَى) "God-wariness" and (وَرَع) "piety". Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The term (God-wariness) "تَقْوَى" refers to the state of being conscious of Allah's presence, fearing His punishment, and striving to fulfill His commands. It encompasses both external actions and internal intentions. Allah says in the Quran, (Surah Al-Imran, 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 emphasizes the importance of having a deep sense of consciousness and fear of Allah in our hearts, which should guide our actions and decisions.

Furthermore, the Quran describes the qualities of the righteous by saying, (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13)

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

This verse highlights that true righteousness and God-wariness are intertwined. It is not merely about performing rituals, but also about having a sincere and genuine connection with Allah, which reflects in our behavior and interactions with others.

The second quality mentioned in the Hadith is (piety) "وَرَع". Piety refers to the act of being cautious and mindful of one's actions, words, and thoughts, with the intention of avoiding anything that may displease Allah. It is a state of constant awareness and self-discipline. Allah says in the Quran, (Surah At-Talaq, 65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect

This verse assures us that those who are pious and mindful of Allah will be guided and provided for in ways they cannot even imagine.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of piety by stating, (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:119)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true

This verse encourages us to surround ourselves with people who are pious and truthful, as their company will inspire and strengthen our own piety.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. He teaches us that true religiosity cannot be judged solely based on external appearances or rituals. Rather, it is the combination of God-wariness and piety that truly defines a person's religiousness.

A person who possesses God-wariness is conscious of Allah's presence at all times and strives to fulfill His commands. They are mindful of their actions, words, and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. This consciousness of Allah's presence motivates them to be righteous in all aspects of their lives.

On the other hand, a person who embodies piety is cautious and mindful of their behavior, avoiding anything that may displease Allah. They are constantly aware of the consequences of their actions and strive to maintain a high moral standard. Their piety is reflected in their honesty, integrity, and kindness towards others.

When these two qualities are combined, a person's religiosity becomes complete. They not only perform their religious obligations but also embody the true spirit of Islam in their daily lives. Their God-wariness and piety motivate them to seek knowledge, to be just, to be compassionate, and to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that true religiosity is not merely about external rituals, but rather about the internal qualities of God-wariness and piety. These qualities are deeply rooted in the Quranic teachings and serve as a guiding light for Muslims. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and may He accept our efforts to become truly religious individuals.