Hadith #10909

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "قُرِنَ الوَرَعُ بِالتُّقى۔" This can be translated as,

Piety has been paired with God-wariness.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to better understand its impactful message.

The word (warāʿ) "وَرَعُ" refers to piety or righteousness. It encompasses the actions and behaviors that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam, and it reflects a deep sense of God-consciousness. It is a state of being constantly aware of Allah's presence and striving to please Him in all aspects of life.

The word (taqwā) "تُّقَى" can be translated as God-wariness or fear of Allah. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses the avoidance of sins, the fulfillment of religious obligations, and the constant striving to attain nearness to Allah. It is a shield that protects a person from falling into the traps of Satan and helps them navigate through the challenges of life with righteousness and integrity.

To understand the significance of this pairing, 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 among you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety. It is not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly status. The pairing of piety with God-wariness in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes this Quranic principle, highlighting the importance of cultivating a deep sense of God-consciousness alongside righteous actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), 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 the ultimate provision for our journey in this world is God-wariness. It is through cultivating Taqwa that we can navigate the challenges of life and attain success in both this world and the hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for the harmonious combination of piety and God-wariness in their lives. Piety without God-wariness may lead to complacency and a lack of vigilance in avoiding sins and fulfilling religious obligations. On the other hand, God-wariness without piety may result in a superficial display of religious practices without true sincerity and righteousness.

When piety is paired with God-wariness, it becomes a powerful force that shapes our thoughts, actions, and intentions. It motivates us to constantly seek Allah's pleasure and to uphold justice, kindness, and compassion in our interactions with others. It serves as a guiding light that helps us make ethical decisions and leads us to a life of righteousness and spiritual growth.

The consequences of embodying this pairing are profound. It leads to a life of balance, where our actions are in alignment with our beliefs and values. It fosters a sense of inner peace and contentment, knowing that we are living in accordance with the teachings of Islam. It also strengthens our relationship with Allah, as we constantly strive to please Him and seek His forgiveness.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of nurturing both piety and God-wariness in our lives. Let us strive to be individuals who embody these qualities, seeking Allah's pleasure in all that we do. May Allah guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to cultivate piety and God-wariness in our hearts.