Hadith #3347

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the virtues of a believer who possesses three qualities: fear of Allah, rejection of false hopes, and avoidance of missteps. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first quality mentioned is "fear" or (وَجَلَ) "awe". This refers to the profound sense of reverence and respect that a believer should have towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of consciousness that reminds us of His greatness, His power, and His ability to hold us accountable for our actions. This fear is not a paralyzing terror, but rather a motivating force that drives us to seek His pleasure and avoid His displeasure.

The second quality mentioned is the rejection of false hopes (الأمَلَ). False hopes refer to relying on worldly desires and materialistic aspirations, rather than placing our trust and hope in Allah alone. It is a reminder to Muslims to not be deluded by the temporary pleasures of this world, but to focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. Allah warns us in the Quran:

(Quran 20:131)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

The third quality mentioned is the avoidance of missteps or stumbling (الزَّلَلَ). This refers to the act of refraining from committing sins and making mistakes that lead us away from the straight path. It is a call to remain steadfast in our faith and to be cautious of the temptations and trials that may lead us astray. Allah reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of these three qualities in the life of a believer. By filling ourselves with fear of Allah, we become conscious of our actions and strive to please Him in all aspects of our lives. By rejecting false hopes, we detach ourselves from the temporary pleasures of this world and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. And by avoiding missteps, we protect ourselves from the pitfalls and distractions that may hinder our spiritual growth.

The consequences of embodying these qualities are profound. A believer who possesses fear of Allah, rejects false hopes, and avoids missteps will find tranquility and contentment in their heart. They will be guided by the light of faith and will be protected from the darkness of sin and heedlessness. They will be steadfast in their worship, steadfast in their relationships, and steadfast in their pursuit of righteousness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-evaluation and self-correction. It prompts us to assess our own levels of fear of Allah, our reliance on false hopes, and our vulnerability to missteps. It encourages us to strive for improvement and to seek the pleasure of Allah above all else.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to cultivate fear of Allah, reject false hopes, and avoid missteps. By embodying these qualities, we can attain spiritual growth, inner peace, and the ultimate success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and grant us the strength to embody these virtues in our daily lives.