Hadith #11197

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنِ اتَّقَى اللّهَ وَقاهُ۔

This can be translated as:

Whoever fears Allah, He protects him.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of God-consciousness and the rewards that come with it.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ittaqa) "اتَّقَى" is derived from the root word (waqa) "وَقَى", which means to protect or guard against something. It implies being mindful of Allah's commands and avoiding His prohibitions. It encompasses a deep sense of reverence, awe, and fear of displeasing Allah.

The word (Allah) "اللّهَ" refers to the Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who possesses all power and authority. He is the source of all protection and security. It is through our fear and consciousness of Allah that we can attain His divine protection.

The Hadith states that when a person fears Allah and guards against His disobedience, Allah Himself becomes their protector. This protection extends to all aspects of their life, including physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is a promise from Allah that He will safeguard those who are mindful of Him.

This concept of Allah's protection for the righteous is mentioned in the Quran as well. In Surah Yunus, Allah says, (Quran 7:201)

Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.

This verse highlights that those who fear Allah are granted the ability to recognize and resist the temptations of Satan.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah assures the believers, (Quran 6:17)

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good - then He is over all things competent.

This verse emphasizes that Allah is the ultimate protector and the only one who can alleviate hardships.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that when we develop a genuine fear of Allah and strive to live in accordance with His commands, we are enveloped in His divine protection. This protection manifests in various ways, such as being shielded from harm, guided towards righteousness, and granted success in both this world and the hereafter.

When we fear Allah, we become more conscious of our actions and strive to avoid sins. This fear acts as a motivation to do good and refrain from evil. It leads us to seek knowledge, purify our intentions, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.

Moreover, the fear of Allah instills in us a sense of accountability. We become aware that our actions are being witnessed by the All-Knowing, and this awareness prevents us from engaging in dishonesty, injustice, and other immoral behaviors.

The consequences of fearing Allah and seeking His protection are profound. It brings about inner peace, contentment, and tranquility. It strengthens our relationship with Allah and deepens our faith. It also enables us to navigate the challenges of life with resilience and trust in Allah's plan.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense blessings that come with God-consciousness. It is a reminder to constantly evaluate our actions and intentions, and to strive for a higher level of taqwa. By doing so, we can experience the divine protection and guidance promised by Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of fearing Allah and the rewards that come with it. It reminds us that when we are mindful of Allah's commands and avoid His prohibitions, He becomes our protector. This concept is supported by various Quranic verses that highlight the blessings and benefits of God-consciousness. May Allah grant us the ability to develop true taqwa and experience His divine protection in all aspects of our lives.