Hadith #11172

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, "لاكَرَمَ كَالتَّقْوى۔" which translates to

There is no honour like God-wariness.

This enlightening saying highlights the importance and superiority of taqwa, which can be understood as God-consciousness or piety.

Taqwa is a comprehensive term that encompasses various aspects of a person's relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It involves being aware of His presence at all times, striving to please Him, and avoiding anything that may displease Him. Taqwa is the foundation of righteousness and is essential for attaining true honor and dignity in the sight of Allah.

To further understand the significance of taqwa, let us turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true honor and nobility lie in righteousness and taqwa. It is not based on one's lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but rather on the level of piety and God-consciousness one possesses. This aligns perfectly with the statement of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) that there is no honor like taqwa.

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of taqwa is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah says,

Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

In this verse, Allah emphasizes that the best provision for the journey of Hajj, both in a physical and spiritual sense, is taqwa. It highlights the importance of having a mindset of God-consciousness and righteousness during this sacred pilgrimage. This further reinforces the idea that taqwa is the ultimate source of honor and dignity in the eyes of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that true honor and nobility are not achieved through material possessions or worldly achievements. Rather, it is attained through cultivating taqwa and striving to please Allah in all aspects of life. Taqwa is a source of guidance, protection, and blessings, and it elevates an individual's status in the sight of Allah.

By embodying taqwa, Muslims can navigate through life's challenges with integrity, humility, and righteousness. It motivates them to fulfill their obligations towards Allah and their fellow human beings, and it serves as a driving force for self-improvement and spiritual growth. Taqwa also has profound consequences in the Hereafter, as it is a means of attaining Paradise and the pleasure of Allah.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, Muslims are reminded to prioritize taqwa in their lives. They should strive to develop a deep sense of God-consciousness, constantly seeking to improve their relationship with Allah and align their actions with His commands. By doing so, they will attain true honor and dignity, both in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate taqwa and attain true honor in His sight. May He bless us with the guidance and strength to live a life of righteousness and piety. Ameen.