Hadith #11188

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The God-wary are those whose hearts are sad and from whose evil people are safe.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (muttaqoon) "مُتَّقُونَ" in this Hadith refers to the God-wary or the righteous individuals who fear Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to please Him in all aspects of their lives. They are conscious of their actions and constantly seek to purify their hearts and souls.

The word (quloobuhum) "قُلُوبُهُمْ" means hearts. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of having a pure and sincere heart. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah says, (22:46)

The Day when there will not benefit [anyone] wealth or children, but only one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.

A sound heart is one that is free from arrogance, envy, and other negative traits.

The word (mahzoonah) "مَحْزُونَةٌ" means sad or sorrowful. This does not imply a constant state of sadness, but rather a deep sense of concern and remorse for one's actions. The God-wary individuals are aware of their shortcomings and constantly strive to improve themselves. They are saddened by their own weaknesses and seek forgiveness and guidance from Allah.

The word (shurooruhum) "شُرُورُهُمْ" means evil or harm. The God-wary individuals not only strive to purify themselves, but they also ensure that their actions do not cause harm or injustice to others. They are mindful of the consequences of their words and deeds and make a conscious effort to be a source of safety and security for those around them.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (49:12)

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of having a cautious and righteous heart. The God-wary individuals refrain from making negative assumptions about others and avoid engaging in backbiting or spying. They understand the gravity of their actions and the harm they can cause to others. They strive to create an atmosphere of trust and safety, where people can feel secure from their evil intentions.

Another verse that supports the essence of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the believers. Allah says, (23:3-7)

And those who turn away from ill speech, and those who are observant of zakah, and those who guard their private parts. Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed - But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.

This verse emphasizes the importance of guarding one's speech and actions. The God-wary individuals are cautious of their words, ensuring that they do not engage in ill speech or slander. They also maintain their chastity and refrain from any form of immorality. By doing so, they create an environment of safety and protection, where people can trust them and feel secure from their evil intentions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the God-wary individuals are those whose hearts are filled with a deep sense of concern and sadness for their own shortcomings. They constantly strive to purify themselves and seek forgiveness from Allah. Moreover, they ensure that their actions do not cause harm or injustice to others, creating an atmosphere of safety and security. May Allah guide us all to become among the God-wary and grant us the ability to purify our hearts and souls.