Hadith #11115

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 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) and its connection to attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Taqwa is a comprehensive concept that encompasses consciousness of Allah, fear of His punishment, and striving to fulfill His commands and abstain from His prohibitions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has enjoined taqwa upon us, making it the means by which His pleasure is attained by His creation. This highlights the significance of taqwa as a fundamental principle in Islam, as it is the key to achieving Allah's satisfaction and ultimately attaining success in this world and the Hereafter.

The phrase

fear Allah, [the Lord] who is closely watching you and in whose grip are your forelocks

serves as a reminder of Allah's constant presence and knowledge of our actions. It emphasizes the need for mindfulness and accountability in our deeds, knowing that nothing escapes His observation.

The concept of taqwa is deeply rooted in the Quran, with numerous verses highlighting its importance and benefits. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

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

This verse emphasizes that the best provision for the journey of life is taqwa, as it protects and guides us in making righteous choices.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status.

The exegesis of this Hadith emphasizes the significance of taqwa as a guiding principle in the life of a Muslim. Taqwa serves as a compass, directing us towards righteousness and protecting us from the pitfalls of sin. It is through taqwa that we can attain the pleasure of Allah and strive towards spiritual growth and self-improvement.

Practicing taqwa requires a conscious effort to align our actions with the teachings of Islam. It involves being mindful of our intentions, words, and deeds, ensuring that they are in accordance with the principles of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Taqwa motivates us to seek knowledge, perform acts of worship, and engage in acts of kindness and compassion towards others.

The consequences of embodying taqwa are manifold. It leads to a sense of inner peace and contentment, as we are constantly aware of Allah's presence and seek His pleasure. Taqwa also serves as a shield against wrongdoing, protecting us from the harmful consequences of sin and guiding us towards a righteous path.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating taqwa in our lives. It is a continuous journey of self-reflection, self-discipline, and self-improvement. By embodying taqwa, we can strive to become better individuals, better Muslims, and ultimately attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice taqwa in our daily lives and may He accept our efforts to seek His pleasure. Ameen.