Hadith #11114

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of God-wariness, or "taqwa," in the life of a Muslim. Taqwa is a comprehensive term that encompasses consciousness of Allah, fear of His displeasure, and striving to fulfill His commands and abstain from His prohibitions. It serves as a shield, protecting individuals from falling into sins and guiding them towards righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that taqwa is not only beneficial during one's lifetime but also serves as a means of gaining nearness to Allah after death. This implies that taqwa is not limited to the worldly realm but also has profound consequences in the Hereafter. It is a quality that will be rewarded and cherished by Allah in the eternal life.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of taqwa and its rewards. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

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 of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that the most honorable and noble individuals in the sight of Allah are those who possess taqwa. It is not based on one's lineage, wealth, or social status but rather on their level of righteousness and piety.

Another verse that emphasizes the significance of taqwa is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197):

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 advises the pilgrims to prioritize taqwa as the best provision for their journey. It serves as a reminder that taqwa is not only crucial in everyday life but also during acts of worship and devotion.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the long-lasting benefits of taqwa. It acts as a protective shield during one's lifetime, guarding individuals from the temptations and pitfalls of this world. It instills a sense of mindfulness and accountability, preventing one from indulging in sinful actions. Moreover, taqwa serves as a means of gaining nearness to Allah after death, leading to eternal rewards and blessings in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and understanding of Islam. His words carry great weight and wisdom, and his emphasis on taqwa serves as a reminder for all Muslims to prioritize God-consciousness in their lives. By cultivating taqwa, we can protect ourselves from the harms of this world and strive for nearness to Allah in the Hereafter.

May Allah grant us the ability to embody taqwa in our lives and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows best.