Hadith #11177

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاشَرَفَ أعْلى مِنَ التَّقْوى۔

This beautiful saying can be translated as,

There is no dignity loftier than God-wariness.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of taqwa, which is often translated as "God-wariness" or "piety."

Taqwa is a comprehensive concept that encompasses consciousness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), fear of His displeasure, and striving to fulfill His commands and avoid His prohibitions. It is a state of the heart that manifests in one's actions, thoughts, and intentions. Taqwa is the foundation of righteousness and the key to attaining true dignity and honor in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of taqwa. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), 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 true nobility and honor are not based on lineage, wealth, or worldly achievements. Rather, the most honorable and dignified individuals are those who possess taqwa. Their righteousness and piety are what elevate them in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The bedouins say, 'We have believed.' Say, 'You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts. And if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds of anything. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse reminds us that true faith is not merely a claim or a label. It requires sincere submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and obedience to His commands. It is through taqwa that our faith becomes deeply rooted in our hearts and transforms our actions. Only then can we attain true dignity and honor.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the loftiness of taqwa in this Hadith. He teaches us that true honor and dignity can only be achieved through God-wariness. When we prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to live according to His guidance, we elevate ourselves spiritually and morally.

Practicing taqwa has numerous motivations and consequences. Firstly, it serves as a shield against sins and wrongdoing. When we are conscious of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fear His displeasure, we are less likely to engage in actions that are displeasing to Him. Taqwa acts as a guiding force that helps us make righteous choices and avoid harmful behaviors.

Secondly, taqwa leads to increased blessings and rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights that taqwa is the best provision for our journey in this world and the Hereafter. It brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and ensures that our actions are in accordance with His will.

Lastly, taqwa leads to inner peace and tranquility. When we live our lives with God-wariness, we are free from the shackles of worldly desires and attachments. Our hearts are filled with contentment and serenity, knowing that we are striving to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure above all else.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of taqwa in our lives as Muslims. It is through taqwa that we attain true honor and dignity, both in this world and the Hereafter. Let us strive to cultivate taqwa in our hearts, actions, and intentions, so that we may be among those who are truly noble in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain the highest levels of taqwa.