Hadith #3349

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) highlights the astonishment of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) towards those who claim to have knowledge of Allah yet do not experience an intensified fear of Him. This Hadith emphasizes the importance of a deep and profound understanding of Allah's attributes and the resulting fear and awe that should naturally arise from this knowledge.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ajibtu) "عَجِبْتُ" translates to "amazed" or "astonished." It conveys the sense of wonder and surprise that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) feels towards those who claim to have knowledge of Allah but do not experience an intensified fear of Him.

The phrase (liman 'arafa Allah) "لِمَنْ عَرَفَ اللّهَ" means

the one who knows Allah.

This refers to individuals who claim to have knowledge and understanding of Allah's attributes, His greatness, and His power. It implies that they have acquired knowledge about Allah through studying the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The word (kayfa) "كَيفَ" means "how." In this context, it signifies Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) astonishment at the contradiction between having knowledge of Allah and not experiencing an intensified fear of Him.

The phrase (la yashtaddu khawfuhu) "لا يَشْتَدُّ خَوْفُهُ" translates to

his fear [of Him] not become intensified.

It refers to the lack of an increased sense of fear and awe towards Allah despite claiming to possess knowledge about Him. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his amazement at this contradiction and questions how it is possible for someone to have knowledge of Allah and not experience an intensified fear of Him.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of fearing Him and the consequences of neglecting this fear. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (3:102)

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 highlights the necessity of fearing Allah and the correlation between fear of Him and success in this life and the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'arij, Allah describes the Day of Judgment, saying, (70:8-11)

On the Day the heaven will sway with circular motion. And the mountains will pass on, departing - [then] woe that Day to the deniers, who are in [empty] discourse amusing themselves

These verses depict the immense fear and awe that will overcome humanity on the Day of Judgment. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of neglecting the fear of Allah in this life.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quranic verses mentioned above highlight the significance of fearing Allah. It is not enough to merely possess knowledge about Allah; true knowledge should lead to an intensified fear and awe of Him. This fear acts as a motivator for individuals to strive towards righteousness, avoid sinful actions, and seek closeness to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his astonishment towards those who claim to have knowledge of Allah but do not experience an intensified fear of Him. He emphasizes that true knowledge of Allah should naturally result in an increased sense of fear and awe. This fear acts as a driving force for individuals to adhere to the teachings of Islam, seek forgiveness, and strive for spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the depth of their knowledge of Allah and the resulting fear and awe that should arise from this knowledge. It urges us to evaluate our actions and ensure that our knowledge is not merely superficial, but rather transformative, leading to an intensified fear of Allah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to acquire true knowledge of Him and to fear Him as He deserves.