Hadith #11157

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-consciousness and the various manifestations of piety in a believer's life. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the exhortation to (فَاتَّقُوا اللّهَ تَقِيَّةَ)

be wary of [your duty towards] Allah

The word "taqwa" is derived from the root word "waqa," which means to protect or shield oneself. In the context of this Hadith, "taqwa" refers to the conscious awareness of Allah's presence and the fear of displeasing Him. It encompasses both the fear of punishment and the hope for reward. Allah says in the Quran, (Surah Al-Imran, 3:102)

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]

This verse emphasizes the importance of having a balanced and sincere fear of Allah.

The Hadith then describes the qualities of a person who possesses true taqwa. It states that such an individual listens attentively and humbles themselves before Allah (مَنْ سَمِعَ فَخَشَعَ). This highlights the importance of actively seeking knowledge and being receptive to the teachings of Islam. Allah says in the Quran, (Surah Maryam, 19:58)

And when the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them, they fell in prostration and weeping

This verse exemplifies the humility and reverence that should accompany the act of listening to the words of Allah.

Furthermore, the Hadith mentions that a person with taqwa confesses their sins (واقْتَرَفَ فَاعْتَرَفَ). This emphasizes the significance of acknowledging and repenting for one's mistakes. Allah says in the Quran, (Surah Al-Imran, 3:135)

And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know

This verse highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness and turning back to Allah in repentance.

The Hadith also mentions that a person with taqwa performs virtuous acts when they become afraid (ووَجِلَ فَعَمِلَ) and exercises caution by hastening towards good deeds (وَحاذَرَ فَبادَرَ). This highlights the proactive nature of taqwa, where one strives to do good and abstain from evil. Allah says in the Quran, (Surah Al-Imran, 3:133)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous

This verse encourages believers to hasten towards forgiveness and the rewards of Paradise by performing righteous deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a comprehensive guide for believers to cultivate taqwa in their lives. It emphasizes the importance of actively seeking knowledge, confessing sins, performing virtuous acts, and hastening towards good deeds. By embodying these qualities, Muslims can attain a higher level of God-consciousness and strive towards spiritual excellence. May Allah grant us the ability to embody the teachings of this Hadith and attain true taqwa in our lives.