Hadith #11119

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the timeless and universal nature of the fear of Allah (تَقْوَى اللّهِ) and its significance for all people, both in the past and the future. The Imam emphasizes that the fear of Allah has always been a crucial aspect of human existence and will continue to be so in the future, as it is an essential quality needed for the Day of Resurrection.

The term (fear of Allah) "تَقْوَى اللّهِ" refers to a state of consciousness and mindfulness of Allah's presence and His commandments. It encompasses a deep sense of reverence, awe, and piety towards Allah. It is the driving force behind righteous actions and the avoidance of sinful behavior. The fear of Allah is not a fear of punishment, but rather a fear of displeasing the Almighty and a desire to attain His pleasure.

To further understand the significance of the fear of Allah, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the importance of fearing Allah in the truest sense, with utmost sincerity and devotion.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 3:109)

And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And to Allah will [all] matters be returned

This verse reminds us that everything in the universe belongs to Allah and will ultimately be returned to Him. Therefore, it is essential for us to have the fear of Allah in our hearts and minds, as it serves as a constant reminder of our accountability and the Day of Judgment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the significance of the fear of Allah by highlighting its relevance for the future. He states that on the Day of Resurrection, Allah will resurrect what He has created and take back what He has given. This refers to the resurrection of all beings and the recompense of their deeds. On that day, the fear of Allah will be indispensable for every individual, as it will determine their fate in the eternal life.

The Imam's statement,

but how few are those who undertake it the way it deserves to be undertaken!

reflects the rarity of individuals who truly embody the fear of Allah in its entirety. Many people may claim to fear Allah, but only a few truly understand and implement it in their lives. The fear of Allah should not be superficial or limited to certain actions; rather, it should permeate every aspect of our existence.

To exemplify the importance of the fear of Allah, let us consider the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran. When faced with the temptation of Zulaikha, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) chose to fear Allah and resist the temptation. He said, (Quran 12:23)

Indeed, he [your husband] is my master who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed

Yusuf's unwavering fear of Allah enabled him to overcome the trials and tribulations he faced.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the timeless and universal nature of the fear of Allah. It highlights its importance for all people, both in the past and the future. The fear of Allah is not limited to a specific time or place; rather, it is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with the Almighty. May Allah grant us the ability to truly understand and embody the fear of Him in our lives.