Hadith #7508

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

The most learned of people about Allah are those who are most fearful of Him.

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

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (a'lamu) "أعْلَمُ" means "the most knowledgeable" or "the most learned." It refers to those individuals who possess deep understanding and awareness of Allah and His attributes. The word (billahi) "بِاللّهِ" means "about Allah" or "regarding Allah." It signifies the knowledge and comprehension of Allah's essence, His attributes, and His commandments. The word (aktharuhum) "أكْثَرُهُمْ" means

the majority of them

or "most of them." It emphasizes that the majority of those who possess knowledge about Allah are characterized by a specific quality. Finally, the word (khashyatan) "خَشْيَةً" means "fear" or "reverence." It refers to a deep sense of awe, respect, and fear of Allah's power and authority.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 165,

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the importance of having a deep love and reverence for Allah, which is a characteristic of the believers. It is through this love and reverence that one gains true knowledge and understanding of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith.

This verse emphasizes that true believers are those whose hearts are filled with fear and awe when Allah is mentioned. Their fear is not a fear of punishment, but rather a fear of displeasing Allah and a deep sense of reverence for His greatness.

From these Quranic verses, we can understand that the fear of Allah is not a fear of punishment or harm, but rather a fear of disappointing the One who is most deserving of our love, respect, and obedience. It is this fear that drives individuals to seek knowledge about Allah and His commandments, as they strive to align their actions and intentions with His will.

The consequence of possessing this fear and reverence for Allah is that it leads to a deeper understanding and knowledge of Him. When one truly fears Allah, they are motivated to seek knowledge, reflect on His signs in the universe, and ponder over His revelations in the Quran. This knowledge then becomes a source of guidance and enlightenment in their lives, enabling them to make decisions and choices that are in accordance with Allah's teachings.

Moreover, this fear of Allah also acts as a safeguard against sins and transgressions. When one is constantly aware of Allah's presence and His watchful eye, they are less likely to engage in actions that are displeasing to Him. This fear acts as a barrier between the individual and sinful behavior, leading to a life of righteousness and piety.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true knowledge and understanding of Allah is attained through a deep fear and reverence for Him. This fear is not a fear of punishment, but rather a fear of disappointing the One who is most deserving of our love and obedience. It is through this fear that individuals are motivated to seek knowledge, reflect on Allah's signs, and align their actions with His commandments. This fear acts as a safeguard against sins and transgressions, leading to a life of righteousness and piety. May Allah grant us the ability to attain true knowledge and understanding of Him, and may He make us among those who fear Him the most.