Hadith #11158

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises the believers to be conscious of their duty towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with a level of God-wariness that is rooted in certainty. The Imam emphasizes that this God-wariness should manifest in righteous actions, learning from the lessons of life, heeding warnings, seeking guidance, and preparing for the Day of Reckoning.

Let us delve deeper into the key words and concepts mentioned in this hadith. The word (taqiyyah) "تَقِيَّةَ" refers to the act of being cautious and vigilant in fulfilling one's religious obligations. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses both external actions and internal intentions. The term (a'iqana) "أيْقَنَ" means to attain certainty or conviction. It signifies a deep-rooted belief that is based on knowledge and understanding.

The first part of the hadith states,

So be wary of [your duty towards] Allah with the God-wariness of one who attains certitude hence he does good.

This highlights the importance of having a firm belief in Allah and His commands. When a person has certainty in the existence and oneness of Allah, as well as in the truthfulness of His Messenger (ﷺ) and the teachings of Islam, it motivates them to perform righteous deeds. This certitude becomes a driving force for them to strive for excellence in their actions, seeking the pleasure of Allah alone.

The Quran supports this concept of certainty leading to good deeds. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah says,

The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, then they doubt not and strive with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and certainty in Allah and His Messenger, which then leads to sincere efforts in the path of Allah.

The second part of the hadith states,

who is given lesson [from the happenings of this world] so he takes it.

This highlights the importance of reflecting upon the events and occurrences in our lives and extracting valuable lessons from them. Every experience, whether positive or negative, holds valuable insights for us to learn and grow. By being attentive and receptive to these lessons, we can make positive changes in our lives and avoid repeating past mistakes.

The Quran encourages believers to reflect upon the signs of Allah in the world around them. In Surah Al-Imran (3:190-191), Allah says,

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

The third part of the hadith states,

who is warned so he desists.

This emphasizes the importance of heeding warnings and refraining from actions that are harmful or sinful. When someone is advised or cautioned about a particular behavior or course of action, it is essential for them to take it seriously and make the necessary changes. This requires humility and a willingness to rectify one's mistakes.

The Quran reminds us of the significance of heeding warnings. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse urges believers to reflect upon their actions and to fear Allah by being mindful of the consequences of their deeds.

The fourth part of the hadith states,

who is shown [the right path] so he sees [it].

This highlights the importance of seeking guidance and clarity in matters of faith and morality. When someone is presented with the truth, it is incumbent upon them to recognize it and follow it. This requires sincerity, an open heart, and a willingness to accept the truth even if it challenges one's preconceived notions.

The Quran emphasizes the significance of seeking guidance. In Surah Al-Fatiha (1:6-7), we recite in every unit of our prayers,

Guide us to the straight path - the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.

This supplication demonstrates our recognition of the need for divine guidance and our desire to be on the right path.

The final part of the hadith states,

and who fears the chastisement [of the Hereafter] and works for the Day of Reckoning.

This highlights the importance of having a deep sense of fear and awe of Allah's punishment in the Hereafter. This fear should motivate believers to engage in righteous actions and to constantly strive to improve themselves. It is a reminder of the accountability that awaits us on the Day of Judgment.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the fear of Allah and the Day of Reckoning. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18-19), Allah says,

And fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do. And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a comprehensive guide for believers in their journey towards God-consciousness and righteousness. It emphasizes the importance of certitude in faith, learning from life's lessons, heeding warnings, seeking guidance, and preparing for the Day of Reckoning. By embodying these qualities, Muslims can strive to attain a higher level of spirituality and fulfill their purpose in this world. May Allah grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives and may He guide us on the straight path.