Hadith #11165

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 beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining the attire of God-wariness, or taqwa. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that whoever removes this attire will not be able to find any other means to cover themselves from the temptations and allurements of this worldly life.

To fully understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some important words. The word (ta'arra) "تَعَرّى" means to take off or remove, while (libas al-taqwa) "لِبَاسِ التَّقْوَى" refers to the attire or garment of God-wariness. This attire symbolizes righteousness, piety, and consciousness of Allah's presence in every aspect of our lives.

The phrase (al-abab al-dunya) "ألْبابِ الدُّنْيا" can be translated as

the devices (and means) of this world.

It refers to the various materialistic and worldly temptations that distract us from the path of righteousness and lead us away from the remembrance of Allah.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of taqwa as the criterion for superiority in the sight of Allah. It emphasizes that true honor and nobility lie in righteousness and piety, not in worldly possessions or social status. Therefore, removing the attire of taqwa leaves one vulnerable to the temptations and devices of this world, which ultimately lead to spiritual and moral decline.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46):

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that the material possessions and worldly attachments we acquire are merely temporary adornments. They may provide temporary satisfaction, but they cannot truly protect us or bring us lasting happiness. The enduring good deeds, rooted in taqwa, are what truly matter in the sight of Allah and hold eternal rewards.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly desires. By adorning ourselves with the attire of taqwa, we shield ourselves from the harmful influences of this world and safeguard our souls.

When we maintain taqwa, we become conscious of our actions and intentions, constantly seeking Allah's pleasure and avoiding anything that may lead us astray. This consciousness guides us to make choices that align with the teachings of Islam, allowing us to navigate the challenges and temptations of this world with wisdom and resilience.

Conversely, when we neglect taqwa and remove this protective garment, we expose ourselves to the dangers of worldly attachments. We become susceptible to greed, materialism, and moral corruption, which can lead to a spiritual decline and distance us from Allah's mercy and guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize taqwa in their lives. By adorning ourselves with the attire of God-wariness, we protect ourselves from the harmful influences of this world and ensure our spiritual well-being. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to maintain taqwa and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.