Hadith #11134

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

God-wariness is a fortified stronghold.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of taqwa, which can be translated as "God-wariness" or "piety." Taqwa is a comprehensive concept that encompasses consciousness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), fear of His displeasure, and striving to obey His commands and avoid His prohibitions.

The word "hisan" in the Hadith is translated as "fortified stronghold." This word signifies a place of refuge, protection, and strength. It implies that taqwa acts as a shield and defense against the temptations and trials of this worldly life. Just as a fortified stronghold provides safety and security, taqwa safeguards our hearts and souls from the harms of sin and disobedience.

The importance of taqwa is emphasized in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:102)

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].

This verse highlights the necessity of having taqwa and living a life of submission to Allah's commands.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and taqwa, not in worldly status or wealth.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that taqwa is not just a theoretical concept, but a practical and tangible reality. It is a state of being that influences our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Taqwa acts as a guiding force in our lives, helping us make choices that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and avoiding those that lead to His displeasure.

When we possess taqwa, we become conscious of Allah's presence in every aspect of our lives. We are motivated to fulfill our obligations towards Him and to abstain from anything that may lead us astray. Taqwa inspires us to seek knowledge, perform acts of worship, and engage in righteous deeds that benefit ourselves and others.

Moreover, taqwa has profound consequences in both this world and the hereafter. In this life, it brings about peace, contentment, and tranquility of the heart. It protects us from the negative consequences of our actions and helps us navigate through the challenges and trials we encounter.

In the hereafter, taqwa is the key to attaining success and salvation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat, (Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.

Those who possess taqwa will be honored and rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the eternal life of the hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating taqwa in our lives. It is a continuous process that requires self-reflection, self-discipline, and constant striving for improvement. By seeking knowledge, adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and emulating the qualities of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strengthen our taqwa and fortify our hearts against the temptations of this world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to attain true taqwa and make it a guiding principle in our lives. May He bless us with the strength to overcome our weaknesses and protect us from the snares of Shaytan. May our taqwa be a source of strength, peace, and success in this world and the hereafter.