Hadith #3336

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a amazing Hadith that emphasizes the importance of fearing Allah and the consequences of neglecting this fear. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (fear) "خَفْ" and (be safe) "تَأمَنْ". The word "خَفْ" is derived from the root "خَوْف" which means fear, apprehension, or awe. It signifies a state of consciousness and awareness of Allah's presence and power. The word "تَأمَنْ" is derived from the root "أَمَنَ" which means safety, security, or tranquility. It refers to a state of being free from harm or danger.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:197)

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

This verse highlights the importance of fearing Allah and recognizing that true provision and security lie in the consciousness of Him.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hashr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (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.

These verses emphasize that those who fear Allah and rely on Him will find a way out of difficulties and receive provisions from unexpected sources. Allah's support and sufficiency are guaranteed for those who have true fear and reliance on Him.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. He advises us to fear Allah, and in doing so, we will attain safety and security. This means that by being conscious of Allah's presence, power, and authority, we will be protected from harm and guided towards the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further warns us against seeking safety and security without first having the fear of Allah. This implies that if we prioritize worldly safety and security over our duty to fear Allah, we may fall into heedlessness and neglect our spiritual obligations. This neglect can lead to spiritual decline and distance from Allah's mercy and guidance.

To illustrate this point, let us consider an example. Imagine a person who is solely focused on accumulating wealth and material possessions to attain a sense of security. While they may achieve temporary comfort and worldly success, if they neglect the fear of Allah and fail to fulfill their religious obligations, they risk losing their spiritual well-being and eternal salvation. True safety and security lie in the consciousness of Allah and the fulfillment of His commands.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to prioritize the fear of Allah over worldly safety and security. By being conscious of Allah's presence and power, we will be protected and guided in this life and the hereafter. Neglecting this fear can lead to spiritual decline and distance from Allah's mercy. May Allah grant us the ability to fear Him and seek His pleasure above all else.