Hadith #11123

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of God-wariness, or taqwa, in our lives. Taqwa is a comprehensive concept that encompasses consciousness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), fear of His punishment, and striving to avoid anything that displeases Him. It is a shield that protects us from the temptations and evils of this world, and it is a pathway that leads us towards Paradise.

The word (hirq) "حِرْزُ" in the Hadith refers to a safeguard or a shield. It signifies the protective nature of taqwa in our lives. Just as a shield shields a person from harm, taqwa acts as a shield against the sins and vices that can lead us astray. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 9:119)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are truthful.

This verse highlights the importance of taqwa as a means of protection and guidance.

The word (junnah) "جُنَّةُ" in the Hadith refers to a barrier or a partition. It represents the barrier that taqwa creates between us and the Hellfire. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 67:12)

Indeed, those who fear their Lord unseen will have forgiveness and great reward.

This verse emphasizes that taqwa acts as a barrier that shields us from the punishment of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and grants us His forgiveness and reward.

The phrase (fi ghadd at-tariq ila al-jannah)

في غَد اَلطَّريقُ إلَى الجَنَّةِ

in the Hadith means

tomorrow, it is a pathway to Paradise.

It highlights the long-term benefits of taqwa in the Hereafter. Taqwa is not only beneficial in this world, but it also serves as a clear path that leads us towards Paradise in the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 2:25)

Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens and springs, accepting what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that doers of good.

This verse emphasizes that those who possess taqwa will be rewarded with Paradise, where they will enjoy eternal bliss.

The phrase (maslakuhā wādiḥun wasālikuhā rābiḥ)

مَسْلَكُها واضِحٌ وسالِكُها رابِحٌ

in the Hadith means

its path is clear and the one who travels on it, gains.

It highlights the clarity and accessibility of the path of taqwa. It is not a path that is hidden or difficult to follow. Rather, it is a path that is clear and straightforward, and anyone who chooses to embark on this path will be successful. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect.

This verse assures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will guide and support those who possess taqwa, making their journey towards Him easier.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of taqwa in our lives. It serves as a safeguard and a shield in this world, protecting us from sin and guiding us towards righteousness. It also acts as a pathway to Paradise in the Hereafter, leading those who possess it to eternal bliss. The path of taqwa is clear and accessible to all, and those who choose to follow it will be successful. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate taqwa in our hearts and lives, and may He guide us on the path that leads to His pleasure and Paradise.