Hadith #9327

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اَكْيَسُ الكَيْسِ التَّقْوى۔" This can be translated as,

The greatest sagacity is God-wariness.

In this enlightening saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of taqwa, which is often translated as God-wariness, piety, or consciousness of Allah.

Taqwa is a comprehensive concept in Islam that encompasses a person's awareness of Allah's presence, their fear of His punishment, and their desire to please Him in all aspects of life. It is a state of mind and heart that leads to righteous actions and protects one from falling into sin. The word "akys" in the Hadith refers to sagacity or wisdom, indicating that true wisdom lies in cultivating taqwa.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of taqwa and its role in guiding believers towards righteousness. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (49:13)

Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has taqwa.

This verse highlights that taqwa is the criterion for measuring a person's honor and worth in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (3:102)

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].

This verse emphasizes the importance of having a proper level of taqwa, which involves fearing Allah and submitting to His commands.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound wisdom in prioritizing taqwa in our lives. When we are conscious of Allah's presence and strive to please Him, we make choices that align with His guidance. Taqwa acts as a compass, guiding us away from sinful actions and towards righteousness.

Practicing taqwa has numerous benefits in this world and the hereafter. It safeguards us from the negative consequences of our actions and helps us maintain a strong connection with Allah. Taqwa also leads to inner peace and contentment, as we find solace in knowing that we are living in accordance with Allah's will.

Moreover, taqwa serves as a motivation for self-improvement and self-discipline. When we are mindful of Allah, we become more conscious of our thoughts, words, and actions. This awareness prompts us to reflect on our behavior and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

The consequences of neglecting taqwa are grave. Without taqwa, we risk falling into sinful behaviors and distancing ourselves from Allah's mercy. Allah warns us in the Quran, (5:44)

And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the disbelievers.

This verse highlights the importance of aligning our actions with Allah's guidance, which can only be achieved through taqwa.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded of the immense value of taqwa in our lives as Muslims. It is through taqwa that we attain true wisdom and navigate the challenges of this world with righteousness. Let us strive to cultivate taqwa in our hearts and actions, seeking Allah's pleasure and guidance in all that we do. May Allah grant us the ability to embody taqwa and attain true sagacity.