Hadith #7409

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The cause of fear [of Allah] is knowledge.

This enlightening saying highlights the importance of knowledge in developing a deep reverence and fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (khawf) "خَشْيَةِ" in the Hadith refers to fear or awe. It is a feeling of deep respect and reverence that arises from recognizing the greatness and majesty of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This fear is not a fear of punishment, but rather a fear of disappointing or displeasing our Creator. It is a fear that motivates us to strive for righteousness and avoid actions that may displease Allah.

The word (ilm) "اَلْعِلْمُ" in the Hadith means knowledge. It refers to the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, particularly religious knowledge. This knowledge encompasses the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, as well as the wisdom and guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The Quran emphasizes the importance of knowledge and its role in developing a fear of Allah. Allah says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:29),

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights that fear of Allah leads to His forgiveness and mercy. This fear is rooted in knowledge, as it is through knowledge that we understand the consequences of our actions and strive to please Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah says,

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

This verse emphasizes that the best provision for our journey in this world is the fear of Allah. It is through knowledge and understanding that we develop this fear and strive to fulfill our obligations to Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that knowledge is the cause of fear of Allah. When we acquire knowledge, we become aware of the greatness of Allah, His attributes, and His expectations from us. This knowledge instills a sense of awe and reverence in our hearts, motivating us to live a life that is pleasing to Allah.

For example, when we learn about the vastness of the universe and the intricate design of creation, we cannot help but be in awe of the Creator. This knowledge deepens our fear of Allah and inspires us to reflect on His power and wisdom. Similarly, when we study the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we gain insight into the divine guidance and the consequences of our actions. This knowledge instills a fear of displeasing Allah and motivates us to strive for righteousness.

The consequences of this fear of Allah are profound. It leads us to make conscious choices in our daily lives, seeking to please Allah in all that we do. It motivates us to avoid sins and strive for acts of worship and obedience. This fear acts as a shield, protecting us from the temptations and distractions of this world. It also serves as a source of comfort and solace, as we know that our actions are guided by a deep reverence for our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that knowledge is the cause of fear of Allah. This knowledge encompasses religious teachings and understanding the greatness of Allah. Through knowledge, we develop a deep reverence and awe of Allah, motivating us to strive for righteousness and avoid actions that displease Him. May Allah grant us the ability to seek knowledge and develop a sincere fear of Him.