Hadith #11148

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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) emphasizes the importance of God-wariness (taqwa) in treating our spiritual ailments and preparing for death. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. "Taqwa" refers to a state of consciousness and mindfulness of Allah's presence, which leads to righteousness and avoidance of sin. It is a shield that protects us from falling into the traps of Shaytan and helps us maintain a strong connection with Allah. "Asqam" refers to ailments or diseases, which in this context, symbolizes the spiritual diseases that afflict our hearts and souls.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of taqwa and its role in purifying our souls and guiding us towards righteousness. 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. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

The Hadith urges us to treat our spiritual ailments with taqwa. Just as we seek medical treatment for physical illnesses, we must also seek the cure for our spiritual diseases. Taqwa acts as a remedy that purifies our hearts and souls, enabling us to overcome the diseases of arrogance, envy, greed, and other vices. It is through taqwa that we can attain spiritual well-being and find tranquility in our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to anticipate and prepare for death through taqwa. Death is an inevitable reality that awaits every soul, regardless of age or status. By cultivating taqwa, we become conscious of our actions and strive to live a life that pleases Allah. This awareness of our mortality motivates us to make the most of our time in this world and to constantly seek Allah's forgiveness and mercy.

The Hadith also urges us to learn from those who have neglected taqwa. We should reflect upon the consequences of their actions and strive not to repeat their mistakes. The Quran provides numerous examples of individuals who disregarded taqwa and faced severe consequences. For instance, the people of Aad and Thamud were destroyed due to their arrogance and disobedience to Allah's commands.

Conversely, we should ensure that those who adhere to taqwa do not take a lesson from our neglect. Our actions and behavior should serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for others. By embodying taqwa in our daily lives, we become a positive influence on those around us and contribute to the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of taqwa in treating our spiritual ailments and preparing for death. It urges us to be mindful of Allah's presence in our lives, seek His pleasure, and avoid falling into the traps of sin. By cultivating taqwa, we can attain spiritual well-being, learn from the mistakes of others, and inspire those around us to follow the path of righteousness. May Allah grant us the ability to embody taqwa in our lives and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.