Hadith #11186

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily the God-wary are all those [believers] who are generous, chaste and benevolent.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the important words used in this Hadith. The word (Atqiya) "أتْقِياءَ" refers to the God-wary or the pious individuals who fear Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to fulfill His commands. They are conscious of their actions and constantly seek to improve their relationship with Allah. The word (sakhii) "سَخِىّ" means generous, indicating that the God-wary are known for their generosity and willingness to give to others. (muta'affif) "مُتَعَفِّف" refers to those who are chaste and maintain modesty in their actions and interactions. Lastly, (muhsin) "مُحْسِن" signifies those who are benevolent, kind-hearted, and strive to do good deeds.

To understand the significance of these qualities, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:92),

By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, Allah knows it well.

This verse emphasizes the importance of generosity, as it is a means to attain righteousness. The God-wary understand that their wealth and possessions are blessings from Allah, and they willingly share them with others in need.

Furthermore, the Quran highlights the significance of chastity and modesty. In Surah An-Nur (24:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs both men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in our thoughts, actions, and interactions. The God-wary are mindful of their behavior and strive to uphold the principles of chastity in all aspects of their lives.

Additionally, the Quran encourages acts of benevolence and kindness. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of being benevolent and performing acts of kindness. The God-wary understand that their actions have consequences and strive to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see the profound wisdom it holds. The God-wary are not only those who fear Allah, but they also embody qualities such as generosity, chastity, and benevolence. These qualities are not isolated acts but rather a way of life for the God-wary. They understand that their relationship with Allah is reflected in their interactions with others.

For example, a God-wary individual who is generous will not only give to those in need but will also ensure that their wealth is acquired through lawful means. They will be mindful of the rights of others and strive to alleviate the suffering of those less fortunate. Similarly, a God-wary individual who is chaste will not only lower their gaze but will also maintain modesty in their speech and conduct. They will strive to create an environment of respect and purity in their interactions with others.

Moreover, a God-wary individual who is benevolent will not only perform acts of kindness but will also seek opportunities to improve the lives of others. They will be compassionate, empathetic, and actively work towards the betterment of society. Their benevolence will extend beyond material possessions and encompass acts of service, support, and encouragement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities that define the God-wary. It emphasizes the importance of generosity, chastity, and benevolence in the lives of believers. By embodying these qualities, the God-wary strive to strengthen their relationship with Allah and positively impact the lives of those around them. May we all strive to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and become among the God-wary.