Hadith #11139

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

التَّقْوى حِرْزٌ لِمَنْ عَمِلَ بِها۔

This can be translated as,

God-wariness is a safeguard for the one who adopts it.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (taqwa) "تَقْوَى" is a crucial term in Islamic teachings. It encompasses the concept of being conscious of Allah's presence, fearing His punishment, and striving to fulfill His commands. Taqwa is a shield against sins and a means of attaining closeness to Allah. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses righteousness, piety, and mindfulness of Allah in all aspects of life.

The term (hurz) "حِرْزٌ" in the Hadith refers to a safeguard or protection. It implies that taqwa acts as a shield, guarding the individual from the harms and temptations of this world and the Hereafter. It is a shield that shields one from the destructive consequences of sinful actions and guides them towards the path of righteousness.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of taqwa and its role as a safeguard for believers. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:197)

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

This verse highlights that taqwa is the best provision for the journey of life, protecting and guiding believers towards success.

In another verse, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (8:29)

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

Here, Allah assures believers that if they adopt taqwa, He will grant them the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, forgive their sins, and bless them with His abundant mercy.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that taqwa is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical one. It is not enough to merely possess knowledge of what is right and wrong; one must actively implement taqwa in their actions and decisions. By doing so, they will be protected from the negative consequences of their deeds and be guided towards righteousness.

For example, if a person has taqwa, they will refrain from engaging in dishonest business practices, knowing that Allah is watching and will hold them accountable. This safeguard of taqwa will protect them from the potential harm of financial loss, damaged reputation, and the displeasure of Allah.

Similarly, a person with taqwa will avoid engaging in backbiting and slander, recognizing that it is a sin that harms others and displeases Allah. This safeguard of taqwa will protect them from the negative consequences of strained relationships, loss of trust, and the wrath of Allah.

Furthermore, taqwa acts as a shield against the temptations of this world. It prevents a person from succumbing to their desires and indulging in sinful behavior. By adopting taqwa, one is protected from the destructive consequences of sins such as addiction, broken families, and a loss of self-respect.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that taqwa is not a passive attribute but an active one. It requires constant self-reflection, self-discipline, and self-correction. It is a shield that must be consciously upheld and strengthened through acts of worship, obedience to Allah's commands, and avoidance of His prohibitions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of taqwa as a safeguard for believers. By adopting taqwa and implementing it in our actions, we are protected from the negative consequences of our deeds and guided towards righteousness. Taqwa acts as a shield, guarding us from the temptations and harms of this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate and strengthen our taqwa, and may it serve as a safeguard for us in this life and the Hereafter.