Hadith #3375

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the behavior of those who unjustly criticize others. He describes how such individuals prioritize the fear and opinion of people over the fear and obedience of the Creator. Let us delve deeper into the words used in this hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating,

He (‘a) said about the one whom he censured.

Here, the word "censured" refers to someone who is being criticized or blamed for their actions. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is addressing a specific individual who has exhibited a particular behavior.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states,

he has made his fear of men ready currency.

The phrase "fear of men" refers to the excessive concern and worry one has about what others think or say about them. It implies that this person values the opinions and judgments of people more than anything else. They are willing to compromise their principles and beliefs to gain acceptance and approval from others.

On the other hand, the Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions,

while his fear of the Creator a mere guarantee or promise [to be carried out later].

Here, the Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark contrast between the fear of people and the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The phrase

fear of the Creator

refers to the awe, reverence, and obedience one should have towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). However, the person being criticized in this hadith has relegated this fear to a mere guarantee or promise, something to be fulfilled later, rather than making it a priority in their life.

To further understand the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prioritizing His pleasure and fearing Him over the opinions of people. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 14:35)

And [recall] when Ibrahim said, 'My Lord, make this city [Makkah] secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols. My Lord, indeed they have led astray many among the people. So whoever follows me - then he is of me; and whoever disobeys me - indeed, You are [yet] Forgiving and Merciful'

In this verse, Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) demonstrates his unwavering commitment to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) by prioritizing His commandments over the opinions and practices of the people around him. He fearlessly stood against idol worship, even though it was the prevalent practice of his society. Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understood that the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) should always take precedence over the fear of people.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us, (Quran 4:125)

And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Ibrahim, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Ibrahim as an intimate friend

This verse emphasizes the importance of following the religion of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his unwavering faith and commitment to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was not swayed by the opinions or practices of others; rather, he remained steadfast in his devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and his pursuit of truth.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the impactful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this hadith. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning Muslims against prioritizing the fear and approval of people over the fear and obedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We must strive to emulate the example of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else.

By doing so, we can overcome the fear of people and the desire for their approval. We will find strength and guidance in our devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and our actions will be driven by sincerity and righteousness. Let us reflect upon this profound hadith and strive to make the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) the foundation of our lives, seeking His pleasure above all else. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the path of righteousness.