Hadith #1369

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "إنَّ المُؤْمِنينَ خائِفُونَ۔" This can be translated as,

Indeed believers are fearful [of Allah].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (believers) "مُؤْمِنِينَ" refers to those who have submitted themselves to the will of Allah and have faith in Him. They are the ones who have accepted the message of Islam and strive to live their lives in accordance with its teachings. The believers are characterized by their unwavering trust in Allah, their adherence to His commandments, and their dedication to seeking His pleasure.

The word (fearful) "خَائِفُونَ" signifies a state of awe, reverence, and consciousness of Allah's presence. It is a fear that stems from a deep love and respect for the Creator. The believers are constantly aware of Allah's watchful eye upon them and the consequences of their actions. This fear serves as a motivation for them to strive towards righteousness and avoid anything that displeases Allah.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of fear and awe of Allah in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:197)

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (fear of Allah). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

Here, Allah reminds the believers that the ultimate provision for their journey in this world is the fear of Allah. It is through this fear that they can attain true understanding and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr, Allah states, (59:7)

And fear Allah. And Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the severity of Allah's punishment and serves as a reminder to the believers to fear Him and strive to avoid His displeasure. It is this fear that keeps them on the straight path and prevents them from indulging in sinful behavior.

The fear of Allah in the hearts of the believers has profound implications in their lives. It serves as a guiding force that shapes their thoughts, actions, and decisions. This fear prevents them from engaging in dishonesty, injustice, and immorality. It motivates them to fulfill their obligations towards Allah and their fellow human beings. It instills in them a sense of accountability and responsibility, knowing that they will be answerable for their actions on the Day of Judgment.

Moreover, the fear of Allah brings about a sense of humility and gratitude in the hearts of the believers. They recognize their own weaknesses and shortcomings and acknowledge their absolute dependence on Allah. This fear drives them to seek forgiveness, repentance, and constant self-improvement. It keeps them grounded and prevents them from becoming arrogant or complacent in their faith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and understanding of Islam, reminds us through this Hadith that fear of Allah is an essential characteristic of a true believer. It is through this fear that believers are able to navigate the challenges of life, resist temptations, and strive towards spiritual excellence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of fear and awe of Allah in the hearts of believers. This fear serves as a driving force for righteousness, accountability, and self-improvement. It is a fear that stems from a deep love and reverence for the Creator. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate this fear in our hearts and lead a life that is pleasing to Him.