Hadith #1601

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

Weeping out of fear of Allah, because of being far from Allah, is the worship of the cognizant.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the significance of shedding tears out of fear of Allah and the deep spiritual connection it signifies.

Let us first delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (buka') "بُكاء" refers to weeping or shedding tears, which is a physical manifestation of one's emotions. (khawf Allah) "خيفَةِ اللّهِ" means fear of Allah, a state of awe and reverence towards the Almighty. (ibadah) "عِبَادَةُ" translates to worship, encompassing all acts of devotion and obedience to Allah. Lastly, (al-'arifin) "العارِفِينَ" refers to the cognizant or those who possess deep spiritual knowledge and awareness.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:39),

So the angels called him while he was standing in prayer in the chamber, 'Indeed, Allah gives you good tidings of John, confirming a word from Allah and [who will be] honorable, abstaining [from women], and a prophet from among the righteous.'

This verse highlights the story of Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him) and his devotion to Allah. It is said that he would weep in his prayers out of fear and love for Allah, as he longed for a righteous successor. His tears were not only a sign of his deep connection with Allah, but also a form of worship that emanated from his profound understanding of the Divine.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may succeed.

This verse emphasizes the importance of sincere worship and devotion to Allah. Weeping out of fear of Allah is a manifestation of this sincerity, as it reflects a deep awareness of one's distance from Allah and a genuine desire to draw closer to Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound spiritual significance of shedding tears out of fear of Allah. It is a form of worship that is unique to those who possess deep spiritual knowledge and awareness. This act of weeping is not a sign of weakness, but rather a reflection of a strong and sincere connection with the Divine.

When a person weeps out of fear of Allah, it is an indication of their recognition of their own shortcomings and their desire to rectify their relationship with Allah. It is a manifestation of humility and submission, acknowledging that they are far from the perfection of Allah and seeking His forgiveness and mercy.

This act of worship has profound consequences on the individual. It purifies the heart, softens the soul, and strengthens the bond between the worshipper and Allah. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of this world and the ultimate reality of the Hereafter. It motivates the individual to strive for righteousness and to constantly seek Allah's pleasure.

Moreover, weeping out of fear of Allah serves as a source of reflection and self-accountability. It prompts the individual to assess their actions, intentions, and character, and to strive for self-improvement. It is a reminder of the Day of Judgment and the consequences of one's deeds, motivating the individual to lead a life that is pleasing to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of weeping out of fear of Allah as a form of worship. It is a reflection of the deep spiritual connection and awareness of the worshipper. This act of worship has profound consequences on the individual, purifying their heart, motivating them to strive for righteousness, and serving as a reminder of the ultimate reality of the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to shed tears out of fear of Him and to worship Him with sincerity and devotion.