Hadith #11126

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 of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the dire consequences of abandoning God-wariness or taqwa. The Arabic word (taqwa) "تَقْوَى" refers to being conscious of Allah's commands and abstaining from what He has prohibited. It encompasses the fear of Allah, love for Him, and the desire to please Him in all aspects of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating that the one who forsakes taqwa is enticed and deceived by the allurements of worldly pleasures and lustful desires. This abandonment leads to a state of being lost and bewildered in the wilderness of sins. The word (tayh) "تَيْهِ" signifies being misguided, deviating from the right path, and losing one's way.

The consequences of forsaking taqwa are described as being constantly plagued by grave or many evil consequences. This implies that the one who abandons taqwa will face numerous negative outcomes and suffer the repercussions of their actions. These consequences can manifest in various aspects of life, including physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

To understand the significance of taqwa and its consequences, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of taqwa in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah 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]

Here, taqwa is linked to the ultimate goal of dying in a state of submission to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah states, (Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted

This verse highlights that taqwa is the measure of nobility and superiority in the sight of Allah.

The consequences of abandoning taqwa are also mentioned in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah warns, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind

This verse illustrates that forsaking taqwa leads to a life filled with anxiety, depression, and spiritual blindness.

Another consequence of abandoning taqwa is mentioned in Surah Al-Hadid, where Allah says, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a narrow life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind

Here, the word (dayqan) "ضَيْقًا" is used to describe a constricted and restricted life, both in this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to uphold taqwa in their lives. By being conscious of Allah's commands and avoiding sinful temptations, we can protect ourselves from the pitfalls and negative consequences that result from abandoning taqwa. It is through taqwa that we can attain true success and righteousness in this world and the hereafter.

Let us reflect upon this profound hadith and strive to cultivate taqwa in our hearts and actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to uphold taqwa and protect us from the perils of abandoning it.