Hadith #225

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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) emphasizes the importance of fearing Allah and establishing a barrier between oneself and Allah, even if it is seemingly insignificant. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (Ittaqi) "اتَّقِ" in the Hadith is derived from the root word (waqa) "وَقَى", which means to protect, guard, or be cautious. It is often translated as "fear" in the context of Allah. However, it encompasses more than just fear; it implies a sense of awe, reverence, and consciousness of Allah's presence. Ittaqi is a call to be mindful of Allah's commands and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives.

The phrase (ba'da al-tuqaa) "بَعْضَ التُّقَى" means

to some degree of taqwa

or

even if it be little.

This highlights the significance of even the smallest acts of piety and righteousness. It reminds us that every effort we make towards pleasing Allah, no matter how small, is valuable and can bring us closer to Him. Allah, in the Quran, emphasizes the importance of even the smallest good deeds in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 7:

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to (waj'al baynaka wa bayna Allahi sitran)

وَاجْعَلْ بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَ اللهِ سِتْراً

which means to

set a curtain between you and Allah.

This implies the need to establish a barrier, both physical and metaphorical, to protect our relationship with Allah. It encourages us to maintain modesty, humility, and privacy in our worship and personal connection with our Creator. This concept is beautifully expressed in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 46:

Between them will be a barrier, and on the elevations will be men who recognize all by their mark. And they will call out to the companions of Paradise, 'Peace be upon you.' They have not yet entered it, but they long intensely.

The phrase (wa in raqqa) "وَإِنْ رَقَّ" in the Hadith means

even if it be thin.

This highlights that the curtain or barrier we establish between ourselves and Allah does not need to be extravagant or elaborate. It can be as simple as a thin veil, symbolizing the importance of sincerity and intention in our worship. Allah, in the Quran, emphasizes the significance of sincerity in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 4:

And who turn away from ill speech.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that it encourages us to constantly strive for taqwa, even if our efforts seem small. It reminds us that every act of righteousness, no matter how insignificant it may appear, is valuable in the sight of Allah. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to establish a barrier between ourselves and Allah, maintaining modesty and sincerity in our worship.

By implementing the teachings of this Hadith in our lives, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah and strive towards becoming better Muslims. May Allah grant us the ability to fear Him to the best of our abilities and establish a strong connection with Him.