Hadith #11201

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ أشْعَرَ قَلْبَهُ التَّقْوى فازَ عَمَلُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever fills his heart with God-wariness, his endeavor becomes successful.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ash'ara) "أشْعَرَ" means to fill or saturate. It implies a complete and thorough filling of the heart. (qalbahu) "قَلْبَهُ" refers to the heart, which in Islamic teachings symbolizes the core of a person's being, encompassing their thoughts, emotions, and intentions. (taqwa) "التَّقْوى" is a comprehensive term that encompasses God-consciousness, piety, and fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It involves being mindful of Allah's presence and seeking to please Him in all aspects of life.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (أَتْقَاكُمْ). Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that the criterion for superiority in the sight of Allah is righteousness, which is closely related to taqwa. It emphasizes that true success lies in the righteousness of one's actions, rather than external factors such as wealth, status, or lineage. By filling our hearts with taqwa, we align our intentions and actions with the pleasure of Allah, and this becomes the key to success in this world and the hereafter.

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of taqwa is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse emphasizes that taqwa is the best provision for our journey in this life. Just as a traveler prepares provisions for a long and arduous journey, we are encouraged to equip ourselves with taqwa to navigate the challenges and trials of life. Taqwa serves as a shield against temptations and sins, guiding us towards righteousness and success.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that filling our hearts with taqwa has profound implications for our actions and endeavors. When our hearts are saturated with taqwa, it influences our thoughts, intentions, and choices. It becomes the driving force behind our actions, motivating us to seek what is pleasing to Allah and avoid what displeases Him.

For example, when faced with a moral dilemma, a person with a heart filled with taqwa will prioritize righteousness over personal gain or desires. They will make decisions based on the principles and values prescribed by Allah, even if it requires sacrifice or going against societal norms. This commitment to taqwa shapes their behavior in all aspects of life, whether it be in their relationships, business dealings, or personal conduct.

The consequences of filling our hearts with taqwa are far-reaching. It leads to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and contentment. It protects us from the pitfalls of sin and immorality, preserving our spiritual well-being. Moreover, it strengthens our connection with Allah, as taqwa is a means of drawing closer to Him and seeking His pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of filling our hearts with taqwa. By doing so, we align our actions with the pleasure of Allah and pave the way for success in this world and the hereafter. Taqwa serves as a guiding principle that shapes our thoughts, intentions, and choices, leading to a life of righteousness and contentment. May Allah grant us the ability to fill our hearts with taqwa and make our endeavors successful.