Hadith #616

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he poses a thought-provoking question to all Muslims:

Would you be happy to meet Allah tomorrow on the Day of Resurrection while He is pleased with you and not angry?

This question serves as a reminder of the ultimate goal of every believer - to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure a successful meeting with Him in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then provides us with a comprehensive roadmap to achieve this desired state. He advises us to be indifferent to the temporary pleasures and attractions of this world, and instead, be desirous of the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. This does not mean that we should completely detach ourselves from the world, but rather, we should prioritize our actions and intentions in a way that reflects our true aspirations.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of two fundamental qualities: (تَّقوى) "God-wariness" and (صِّدق) "honesty". These two virtues are the pillars upon which the entire faith stands. Taqwa, often translated as "God-consciousness" or "piety," refers to a state of being constantly aware of Allah's presence and seeking to please Him in all aspects of life. It encompasses acts of worship, moral conduct, and adherence to divine commandments.

The Quran provides numerous verses that highlight the significance of taqwa. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

Here, Allah emphasizes that the ultimate provision for the journey of life is taqwa, as it safeguards us from falling into sin and enables us to make righteous choices.

The second quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (صِّدق) "honesty". Honesty encompasses both truthfulness in speech and sincerity in actions. It is a virtue that is highly valued in Islam, as it fosters trust, integrity, and accountability. Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15),

Indeed, the believers are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.

By combining taqwa and honesty, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the essence of a complete and balanced faith. Taqwa helps us maintain a strong connection with Allah, while honesty ensures that our actions are in alignment with our beliefs. These two qualities are inseparable and mutually reinforcing, as taqwa guides our intentions and honesty manifests in our deeds.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to associate ourselves with the "people of truth" and emulate their actions. This emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals who serve as role models and sources of inspiration. By aligning ourselves with those who are committed to the truth and practicing the teachings of Islam, we are more likely to develop and strengthen our own faith.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. It urges us to prioritize the pleasure of Allah over the temporary attractions of this world. By adopting taqwa and honesty, and associating ourselves with the people of truth, we can strive to meet Allah on the Day of Resurrection with His pleasure and not His anger. May Allah grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives and attain His eternal pleasure.