Hadith #11096

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

The exterior of God-wariness is honour in this world while its interior is honour in the Hereafter.

This impactful saying highlights the significance of taqwa, which is often translated as "God-wariness" or "piety." To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

Firstly, "taqwa" refers to a state of consciousness and awareness of Allah's presence, which leads to righteous actions and avoidance of sins. It encompasses fear of displeasing Allah, love for His pleasure, and constant mindfulness of His commands. Taqwa is not merely an external display of religious practices, but it also encompasses the innermost thoughts, intentions, and sincerity of a person.

The term (zahiruhu) "ظاهِرُهُ" in the Hadith refers to the outward aspect of taqwa, which manifests as honor and dignity in this worldly life. This means that when a person possesses taqwa, it is reflected in their conduct, character, and interactions with others. They uphold justice, honesty, and integrity, which earns them respect and admiration from society. The honor bestowed upon them in this world is a result of their taqwa, as Allah elevates those who fear Him.

The second part of the Hadith mentions the (batinuhu) "باطِنُهُ", which refers to the inner aspect of taqwa. This internal dimension of taqwa is the foundation of a person's faith and righteousness. It encompasses their sincerity, purity of heart, and devotion to Allah. The Hadith states that the interior aspect of taqwa leads to honor in the Hereafter. This means that those who possess true taqwa will be rewarded with eternal honor and success in the afterlife.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support and elaborate on the concept of taqwa. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah 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 (muttaqi) of you.

This verse emphasizes that true honor and nobility are not based on lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but rather on taqwa.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah 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 ultimate provision for the journey of life. It is the key to success in this world and the Hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the development of their taqwa. It teaches us that true honor and success lie in cultivating a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of Allah in both our external actions and internal intentions. By embodying taqwa, we not only attain honor in this world but also secure eternal honor and reward in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are motivated to constantly strive for taqwa in every aspect of our lives. We are encouraged to purify our hearts, rectify our intentions, and align our actions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can attain the honor and success that Allah has promised to those who fear Him.

May Allah grant us the ability to embody taqwa and attain honor in this world and the Hereafter. May He bless us with the guidance and strength to follow the path of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were the epitome of taqwa. Ameen.