اَلْمُتَّقُونَ أعْمالُهُمْ زاكِيَةٌ، وأعْيُنُهُمْ باكِيَةٌ، وقُلُوبُهُمْ وَجِلَةٌ۔
The God-wary are those whose actions are pure, whose eyes are tearful and whose hearts are fearful.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The God-Wary And Godfearing People)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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) beautifully describes the qualities of the God-wary individuals. Let us delve into the exegesis of this amazing Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.
The first word in the Hadith is (Al-Muttaqoon) "الْمُتَّقُونَ", which refers to the God-wary or the pious individuals who fear Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to protect themselves from His displeasure. The term "مُتَّقُونَ" encompasses those who are conscious of their actions and constantly seek to purify their hearts and souls.
The Hadith further describes the qualities of the God-wary individuals. It states that their (actions are pure) "أعْمَالُهُمْ زَاكِيَةٌ". This purity of actions refers to their sincerity and righteousness in all aspects of life. The God-wary individuals perform their deeds solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), without any ulterior motives or desires for worldly gains. Their actions are characterized by honesty, integrity, and adherence to the teachings of Islam.
To support this concept of purity of actions, we find a relevant verse in the Quran in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:51), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,
O messengers, eat from the good foods and work righteousness. Indeed, I, of what you do, am Knowing.
This verse emphasizes the importance of performing righteous deeds and consuming lawful sustenance. It highlights the significance of purity in actions and intentions, which is a characteristic of the God-wary individuals.
The Hadith further states that the eyes of the God-wary individuals are (tearful) "بَاكِيَةٌ". This signifies their deep sense of humility, remorse, and constant remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Their tears are a reflection of their awareness of their own shortcomings and sins, as well as their gratitude and awe towards their Creator. These tears are not merely a display of emotion but a manifestation of their sincere connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the believers as those who (Surah Al-Isra 17:109)
fall upon their faces weeping and it increases them in humble submission
This verse highlights the significance of shedding tears in humility and submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The God-wary individuals, through their tearful eyes, express their deep connection with their Creator and their constant yearning for His mercy and forgiveness.
Lastly, the Hadith mentions that the hearts of the God-wary individuals are (fearful) "وَجِلَةٌ". This fear is not a fear of worldly matters, but rather a fear of displeasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and falling into sin. Their hearts are filled with a sense of awe, reverence, and consciousness of Allah's presence. This fear motivates them to constantly strive for self-improvement, seeking forgiveness for their shortcomings and sins.
In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Surah At-Taghabun 64:16)
So fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey and spend [in the way of Allah]; it is better for your selves. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful
This verse emphasizes the importance of fearing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving to obey His commands. The God-wary individuals, with their fearful hearts, are constantly aware of their accountability to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and are motivated to lead a righteous life.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the qualities of the God-wary individuals. Their actions are pure, their eyes are tearful, and their hearts are fearful. They strive for righteousness, constantly seeking to purify their intentions and actions. They express their humility and gratitude through their tears, and their hearts are filled with awe and consciousness of Allah's presence. May we all strive to embody these qualities and become among the God-wary individuals who are beloved to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
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