Hadith #3325

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Fear of Allah in this world makes one safe from fear of Him in the Hereafter.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of developing a deep sense of fear and reverence for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in our hearts during our worldly existence. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (fear) "خَوْفُ" in this Hadith refers to a state of awe, reverence, and consciousness of Allah's presence and power. It is a fear that stems from recognizing His greatness and our own insignificance. This fear is not a paralyzing terror, but rather a humbling and motivating force that drives us to seek His pleasure and avoid His displeasure.

The phrase (from Allah) "مِنَ اللّهِ" signifies that this fear is directed solely towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is not a fear of any worldly authority or creation, but a fear of displeasing the Creator Himself. This fear is rooted in love and respect for Allah, as it is mentioned in the Quran, (Quran 22:11)

And of the people is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face [to the other direction]. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.

The phrase (in this world) "فِي الدُّنيا" highlights the significance of developing this fear of Allah during our earthly lives. It reminds us that this world is a temporary abode, and our actions here have consequences in the Hereafter. This fear of Allah should permeate every aspect of our lives, influencing our choices, actions, and interactions with others. It should serve as a guiding principle, preventing us from engaging in sinful behavior and motivating us to strive for righteousness.

The phrase (makes one safe from fear of Him in the Hereafter)

يُؤْمِنُ الخَوْفَ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنْهُ

highlights the profound impact of developing a fear of Allah in this world. It assures us that those who sincerely fear Allah and strive to please Him will be protected from the fear and punishment in the Hereafter. This fear acts as a shield, safeguarding us from the consequences of our sins and ensuring our safety and salvation in the Hereafter.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For example, Allah says, (Quran 67:12)

Indeed, those who fear their Lord unseen will have forgiveness and great reward.

This verse emphasizes the importance of developing a fear of Allah that is rooted in sincerity and consciousness of His presence, even when no one else is watching. Such fear leads to forgiveness and abundant rewards from Allah.

Another verse that aligns with this Hadith is, (Quran 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. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

This verse assures us that those who fear Allah and rely upon Him will find a way out of their difficulties and receive sustenance from unexpected sources. It highlights the divine support and assistance that is granted to those who fear Allah and place their trust in Him.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that developing a fear of Allah in this world is not a burden, but a means of attaining peace, security, and salvation in the Hereafter. It is a motivation to strive for righteousness, to avoid sinful actions, and to constantly seek the pleasure of Allah. This fear should be accompanied by love, hope, and trust in Allah's mercy and forgiveness. It should inspire us to constantly improve ourselves, seek knowledge, and adhere to the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that developing a fear of Allah in this world is a key to attaining safety from fear in the Hereafter. It reminds us that this fear should be rooted in love, reverence, and consciousness of Allah's presence. By aligning our actions with this fear, we can seek forgiveness, abundant rewards, and divine support from Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to develop a sincere fear of Him and protect us from fear in the Hereafter.