Hadith #11181

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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) emphasizes two important qualities: taqwa (God-consciousness) and tanzih (purification). Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Taqwa, derived from the root word "waqa," means to protect or guard against something. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to guarding oneself against sins and transgressions. Taqwa is a fundamental concept in Islam, and the Quran repeatedly emphasizes its importance. 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 (muttaqi) of you.

The muttaqi, or the God-wary, is the one who is conscious of Allah's presence at all times and strives to avoid anything that displeases Him. They are vigilant in their actions, thoughts, and intentions, constantly seeking to align themselves with the divine will. This consciousness acts as a shield, protecting them from falling into sinful behavior. The muttaqi is motivated by their love for Allah and their desire to please Him, and this motivation becomes the driving force behind their actions.

The second quality mentioned in the Hadith is tanzih, which means purification. It refers to purifying oneself from faults, flaws, and imperfections. Just as we physically cleanse ourselves to maintain hygiene, tanzih is the spiritual cleansing of the heart and soul. It involves recognizing and rectifying our shortcomings, striving for self-improvement, and seeking forgiveness for our mistakes. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'la (87:14):

Indeed, he succeeds who purifies his own self.

The purified individual is one who constantly engages in self-reflection and self-correction. They are aware of their weaknesses and actively work towards overcoming them. By purifying themselves, they strive to attain a higher level of spiritual excellence and closeness to Allah. This process of purification is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey, as we continuously strive to better ourselves and seek Allah's forgiveness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to cultivate these qualities of taqwa and tanzih in their lives. By guarding against sins and purifying ourselves from faults, we can attain a higher level of spiritual consciousness and draw closer to Allah. This journey of self-improvement requires sincere effort, self-discipline, and a deep understanding of our own weaknesses and strengths.

The consequences of embodying taqwa and tanzih are profound. It leads to a life of righteousness, contentment, and inner peace. The muttaqi individual is not only concerned with their own spiritual well-being but also with the welfare of others. They strive to promote justice, kindness, and compassion in society, as these are the qualities that Allah loves. By embodying these qualities, we become a source of guidance and inspiration for others, spreading goodness and righteousness in the world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of taqwa and tanzih in the life of a Muslim. By guarding against sins and purifying ourselves from faults, we can attain a higher level of spiritual consciousness and draw closer to Allah. This journey of self-improvement requires sincere effort, self-discipline, and a deep understanding of our own weaknesses and strengths. May Allah grant us the ability to embody these qualities and strive for spiritual excellence.