Hadith #3363

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "نِعْمَ العِبادَةُ الخَشْيَةُ" which translates to

The best form of worship is fear [and awe] of Allah.

This Hadith emphasizes the significance of having a sense of fear and awe towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as the most superior form of worship.

The word (ibadah) "عِبَادَةُ" in this Hadith refers to worship or acts of devotion. It encompasses all actions, both physical and spiritual, that are performed with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah. It includes acts such as prayer, fasting, charity, and other forms of worship.

The word (khashyah) "خَشْيَةُ" refers to fear, awe, and reverence. It is a profound sense of humility and submission that arises from recognizing the greatness, power, and majesty of Allah. This fear is not a fear of punishment, but rather a fear of displeasing Allah and a deep reverence for His presence.

The importance of having fear and awe of Allah is emphasized in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:197)

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

This verse highlights that the best provision for the journey of life is the fear of Allah. It is through this fear that one can attain true understanding and wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr, Allah describes the believers as those who have fear and awe of Him, saying, (59:9)

And those who were settled in the home [i.e., the Ansar] and [adopted] faith before them love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the believers who prioritize the needs of others over their own, due to their fear and awe of Allah.

The exegesis of this Hadith emphasizes the profound impact that fear and awe of Allah can have on an individual's worship and spirituality. When a person truly fears Allah, it motivates them to strive for excellence in their worship, to be mindful of their actions, and to avoid anything that may displease Allah. This fear becomes a driving force that guides their thoughts, intentions, and actions.

Fear and awe of Allah also have transformative effects on one's character and behavior. It instills a sense of humility, gratitude, and accountability. It prevents a person from becoming arrogant, complacent, or negligent in their worship. It serves as a constant reminder of the presence and watchfulness of Allah, which encourages one to be mindful of their responsibilities as a servant of Allah.

Moreover, fear and awe of Allah lead to a deeper connection with Him. It strengthens the bond between the servant and the Creator, as the servant recognizes their dependence on Allah and seeks His guidance and mercy. This fear becomes a means of seeking Allah's pleasure and attaining His forgiveness and mercy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of fear and awe of Allah as the best form of worship. This fear is not a fear of punishment, but rather a deep reverence and humility that arises from recognizing the greatness and majesty of Allah. It motivates individuals to strive for excellence in their worship, transforms their character, and strengthens their connection with Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to worship Him with true fear and awe, and may He accept our worship.