Hadith #3376

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who fears the people, Allah, the Glorified, makes him afraid of everything.

This enlightening saying highlights the importance of having a sincere and unwavering fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than fearing the opinions and judgments of people.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (khaafa) "خافَ" means to fear or be afraid. It implies a feeling of apprehension or concern. (annas) "النَّاسَ" refers to people, emphasizing the general population. (akhafahu) "أخافَهُ" means to make someone afraid or fearful. Lastly, (Allah, the Glorified) "اللّهُ سُبْحانَهُ" refers to Allah, the Most High, who is free from any imperfections or deficiencies.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of fearing Him alone and not being swayed by the opinions of others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 165, Allah says,

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the contrast between those who fear Allah and those who fear people. True believers prioritize their fear and love for Allah above all else.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 175, Allah states,

It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.

This verse emphasizes that fearing anyone other than Allah is a deception from Satan. It reminds us that true believers should only fear Allah and not be influenced by the opinions or judgments of others.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. When we prioritize the fear of people over the fear of Allah, we open ourselves up to a multitude of fears and anxieties. We become slaves to the opinions and judgments of others, constantly seeking their approval and validation. This fear can hinder our ability to make decisions based on what is right and just in the eyes of Allah.

On the other hand, when we truly fear Allah and seek His pleasure above all else, we are liberated from the fear of people. Our actions become guided by the principles and values set forth by Allah in the Quran. We are no longer swayed by the opinions of others, as our ultimate goal is to please Allah alone. This fear of Allah becomes a source of strength and courage, enabling us to stand firm in the face of adversity and make choices that align with our faith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that true fear and reverence should be reserved for Allah alone. By prioritizing the fear of Allah over the fear of people, we attain a sense of tranquility and inner peace. We become steadfast in our faith and are able to navigate through life's challenges with confidence, knowing that our ultimate accountability lies with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the fear of Allah over the fear of people. By doing so, we free ourselves from the shackles of seeking validation from others and become steadfast in our faith. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to always fear Him above all else and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.