Hadith #1603

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of weeping out of the fear of Allah as a means to attain divine mercy. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (buka') "بُكاء" in Arabic refers to shedding tears or weeping. It is an expression of deep emotion and sincerity. The word (khawf) "خَشْيَةِ" means fear, specifically the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This fear is not a fear of punishment, but rather a fear of displeasing Allah and falling short in fulfilling His commands. It is a fear rooted in love, reverence, and awe of the Almighty.

The Hadith highlights that weeping out of the fear of Allah is the key to divine mercy. This implies that when a person sincerely fears Allah and sheds tears as a result, it opens the doors to Allah's boundless mercy and forgiveness. This act of weeping reflects a deep sense of humility, repentance, and submission to the will of Allah.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of weeping out of the fear of Allah as a means to attain His mercy. In Surah Al-Imran (3:39), we find the story of Prophet Zakariya (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who supplicated to Allah for a righteous child despite his old age. The verse states,

So the angels called him while he was standing in prayer in the chamber, 'Indeed, Allah gives you good tidings of John, confirming a word from Allah and [who will be] honorable, abstaining [from women], and a prophet from among the righteous.' He said, 'My Lord, how will I have a boy when I have reached old age and my wife is barren?' The angel said, 'Such is Allah; He does what He wills.' He said, 'My Lord, make for me a sign.' He said, 'Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three nights, [being] sound.'

Prophet Zakariya's supplication moved him to tears, and Allah responded to his sincere plea by granting him a righteous son, Prophet Yahya (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Similarly, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:2), Allah describes the believers as those who,

when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.

This verse highlights the profound impact that the remembrance of Allah and His verses have on the hearts of the believers, evoking a sense of fear and awe, which in turn strengthens their faith.

The act of weeping out of the fear of Allah is a reflection of a person's deep connection with their Creator. It is a manifestation of their recognition of their own shortcomings and their sincere desire to seek His forgiveness and mercy. This act of humility and repentance is highly regarded in Islam and is a means to attain closeness to Allah.

Weeping out of the fear of Allah has profound consequences on an individual's spiritual journey. It purifies the heart, softens it, and increases one's awareness of their own weaknesses and sins. It serves as a powerful motivator to seek forgiveness, rectify one's actions, and strive for righteousness. This act of weeping also strengthens the bond between the servant and the Creator, as it demonstrates the servant's sincere devotion and submission to Allah's commands.

Moreover, weeping out of the fear of Allah instills a sense of empathy and compassion within an individual. It opens their heart to the suffering of others and motivates them to alleviate the pain and hardships faced by their fellow human beings. This empathy and compassion are essential qualities emphasized in the Quran and exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profound significance of weeping out of the fear of Allah as a key to divine mercy. This act of humility, repentance, and submission opens the doors to Allah's boundless mercy and forgiveness. It purifies the heart, strengthens one's faith, and motivates them to seek righteousness and compassion towards others. May we all strive to cultivate this sincere fear of Allah and seek His mercy through our tears of repentance and devotion.