Hadith #11118

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) highlights the significance of God-wariness, or "taqwa," in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Taqwa is a comprehensive concept that encompasses consciousness of Allah, fear of displeasing Him, and striving to fulfill His commands. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that taqwa is a right that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has upon His servants, and it necessitates that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) fulfills their rights as well.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. "Taqwa" is derived from the root word "waqa," which means to protect or shield oneself. It implies being cautious and mindful of Allah's commands and prohibitions, and refraining from anything that may displease Him. "Mujibah" refers to something that necessitates or obligates. "Isti'ana" means seeking help or assistance, while "tawassul" means to seek a means or medium to approach Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of taqwa and its role in attaining nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). For example, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

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 the most honorable and esteemed individuals in the sight of Allah are those who possess taqwa. It emphasizes that true superiority lies in righteousness and piety, not in worldly status or lineage. This further reinforces the idea that taqwa is the right of Allah upon His servants.

Another verse that supports the significance of taqwa is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197):

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

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the believers to prioritize taqwa as their ultimate provision for the journey of life. It highlights that taqwa is not only a means of attaining closeness to Allah, but it also serves as a source of protection and guidance in this world.

Now, let us reflect on the profound exegesis of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that taqwa is not merely a personal matter, but it also entails rights and responsibilities. It is a two-way relationship between Allah and His servants. By fulfilling the right of taqwa, we acknowledge and honor Allah's right over us. In return, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) fulfills our rights and grants us His assistance in our pursuit of taqwa.

Seeking Allah's help in attaining taqwa is a manifestation of our reliance on Him and recognition of our own limitations. It is through His guidance and support that we can overcome our weaknesses and strive towards righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in the Quran (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

Therefore, when we seek Allah's help in fulfilling the right of taqwa, we are acknowledging our dependence on Him and recognizing that He is the source of all strength and guidance. This reliance on Allah is a fundamental aspect of our faith and a means of attaining proximity to Him.

Furthermore, the concept of tawassul, seeking a means of approaching Allah, is highlighted in this Hadith. By utilizing taqwa as a means of tawassul, we are utilizing the very essence of God-wariness to draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Through our conscious efforts to please Him and adhere to His commands, we establish a connection with our Creator and strengthen our relationship with Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of taqwa in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that taqwa is not only a personal obligation, but it also entails rights and responsibilities. By fulfilling the right of taqwa, we acknowledge Allah's right over us and seek His assistance in our pursuit of righteousness. Through taqwa, we establish a connection with Allah and utilize it as a means of tawassul to attain proximity to Him. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate taqwa in our hearts and lives.