Hadith #3356

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

مَنْ خافَ اللّهَ قَلَّتْ مَخافَتُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever fears Allah, his [other] fears are reduced.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (khafa) "خافَ" in Arabic means to fear or to be in awe of something. It is derived from the root word (khawf) "خَوْف", which refers to fear or apprehension. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of fearing Allah, as it leads to a reduction in other fears.

The fear of Allah is not a fear of punishment, but rather a deep sense of awe, reverence, and consciousness of His presence. It is a fear that stems from love and respect for the Almighty. When one truly fears Allah, their other fears, such as fear of worldly matters or fear of the unknown, diminish in comparison. This fear of Allah becomes a shield against all other fears, providing inner peace and tranquility.

The Quran provides numerous verses that highlight the significance of fearing Allah and its impact on reducing other fears. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent

This verse emphasizes that when a person truly fears Allah, He will provide them with solutions and provisions from unexpected sources. It is a reminder that Allah is the ultimate provider and sustainer, and those who fear Him will find their fears alleviated. This fear of Allah instills trust and reliance on Him, knowing that He is sufficient to fulfill all needs and desires.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anfal, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 8:12)

And [remember] when your Lord inspired to the angels, 'I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip'

This verse describes a historical event during the Battle of Badr, where the believers were outnumbered and faced with fear. However, their fear of Allah and their unwavering faith in Him gave them the strength and courage to face their enemies. The fear of Allah diminished their fear of the enemy, enabling them to emerge victorious. This exemplifies how the fear of Allah can reduce other fears and empower individuals to overcome challenges.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the fear of Allah above all other fears. When one truly fears Allah, their other fears become insignificant in comparison. This fear of Allah brings about a sense of tranquility, trust, and reliance on Him. It enables individuals to face challenges with courage and seek solutions from unexpected sources. By cultivating the fear of Allah, Muslims can find solace and strength in the face of adversity.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to fear Him sincerely and reduce our other fears. May He guide us to live a life of righteousness and seek His pleasure above all else. Ameen.