Hadith #3351

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny (Ahl al-Bayt), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كَفى بِالخَشْيَةِ عِلْماً۔" This can be translated as,

Fear [of Allah] is sufficient as knowledge.

In this beautiful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of fear of Allah as a means of acquiring knowledge.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us first explore the key words used. The word (khashya) "خَشْيَةِ" refers to the fear or awe of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a feeling of reverence, humility, and submission towards the Creator. The word (ilm) "عِلْماً" means knowledge, which encompasses both intellectual and spiritual understanding.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of fearing Him and its connection to knowledge. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (fear of Allah). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

Here, Allah links fear of Him with understanding, indicating that it is a prerequisite for true knowledge.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:29), Allah states,

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights that fear of Allah leads to the acquisition of a criterion, which enables one to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. This criterion is a form of knowledge that guides individuals towards righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes that fear of Allah is sufficient as knowledge. This means that when one possesses true fear of Allah, it encompasses all aspects of knowledge. It is a comprehensive understanding that encompasses both worldly and spiritual matters. Fear of Allah motivates individuals to seek knowledge, to reflect upon the signs of Allah in the universe, and to strive for righteousness.

When a person truly fears Allah, they are driven to acquire knowledge that benefits them in this world and the hereafter. This fear acts as a catalyst for seeking knowledge, as it instills a sense of responsibility and accountability. It motivates individuals to study the Quran, understand its teachings, and apply them in their daily lives.

Moreover, fear of Allah as knowledge has profound consequences. It leads to self-discipline, self-reflection, and self-improvement. It helps individuals avoid sinful actions and make choices that are pleasing to Allah. Fear of Allah also protects individuals from falling into ignorance, arrogance, and misguided paths.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the development of their fear of Allah. It encourages us to seek knowledge that is rooted in piety and humility. By doing so, we can attain a deep understanding of the world around us and our purpose in it. Fear of Allah should be the driving force behind our pursuit of knowledge, guiding us towards wisdom, righteousness, and ultimately, the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that fear of Allah is sufficient as knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a deep sense of reverence and humility towards our Creator, as it is through this fear that true knowledge is attained. By seeking knowledge with the intention of pleasing Allah and applying it in our lives, we can strive for righteousness and attain success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to fear Him and seek knowledge that is beneficial and pleasing to Him.