Hadith #3334

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "ثَمَرَةُ الخَوْفِ الأمْنُ۔" This can be translated as,

The fruit of fear is security.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (khawf) "خَوْفِ" in this Hadith refers to fear or awe. It is the feeling of apprehension or reverence that arises when one recognizes the greatness and power of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of humility and submission before the Creator. The word (amn) "أمْنُ" means security or tranquility. It is the state of being free from harm or danger, both in this world and in the hereafter.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of fear and awe of Allah as a means to attain security and peace. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided

This verse highlights the connection between calling upon Allah and seeking His guidance through fear and obedience.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah states, (Quran 8:66)

And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing the enemy by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then he turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers

This verse highlights the consequences of losing fear and falling into disputes and disobedience, which ultimately leads to defeat and loss of security.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that fear of Allah is not a negative emotion, but rather a means to attain true security and peace. When we fear Allah and recognize His power and authority, we are motivated to adhere to His commandments and avoid His prohibitions. This fear acts as a deterrent against sin and wrongdoing, leading to a life of righteousness and obedience.

For example, when we fear Allah, we are motivated to fulfill our obligations towards Him, such as performing the five daily prayers, giving charity, and observing fasting during Ramadan. This fear also prevents us from engaging in sinful activities, such as lying, cheating, or backbiting. By living a life of obedience and righteousness, we attain a sense of security and peace, both in this world and in the hereafter.

Moreover, the fear of Allah also has positive consequences on our relationships with others. When we fear Allah, we are motivated to treat others with kindness, compassion, and justice. We refrain from oppressing or harming others, as we know that we will be held accountable for our actions. This fear creates a harmonious and secure society, where individuals respect and care for one another.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the fruit of fear, or awe, of Allah is security and peace. By recognizing the greatness and power of Allah, we are motivated to live a life of obedience and righteousness. This fear acts as a deterrent against sin and wrongdoing, leading to a sense of security and tranquility in this world and in the hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to fear Him and attain true security and peace.