Hadith #11127

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he emphasizes the importance of the fear of Allah (تَقْوَى اللّهِ) as a key to righteousness and success in this world and the Hereafter. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its profound meanings in light of the Quran.

The term (fear of Allah) "تَقْوَى" is a comprehensive concept in Islam that encompasses piety, righteousness, and consciousness of Allah's presence. It is a state of the heart that leads to righteous actions and abstaining from what is forbidden. The fear of Allah is not a fear of punishment, but rather a fear of displeasing Him and a deep reverence for His commandments.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of taqwa in numerous verses of the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights that taqwa is the best provision for the journey of life, as it guides us towards righteousness and success.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the fear of Allah as a (a key to rightness) "مِفْتَاحُ سَدَاد". Just as a key unlocks a door, the fear of Allah unlocks the path to righteousness and guidance. It enables us to make choices that align with the teachings of Islam and leads us to the straight path. Allah says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:29),

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the fear of Allah as a (a store for the Hereafter) "ذَخِيرَةُ مَعَاد". This highlights that the fear of Allah is not only beneficial in this worldly life but also serves as a treasure for the Hereafter. It is an investment in our eternal life, as it leads to the accumulation of good deeds and the attainment of Paradise. Allah says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:12),

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

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that the fear of Allah is an (emancipation from every form of bondage)

عِتْقٌ مِنْ كُلِّ مَلَكَة

This signifies that the fear of Allah liberates us from the shackles of worldly desires, materialism, and the influence of Satan. It frees us from the slavery of our own ego and enables us to submit to the will of Allah. Allah says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:28),

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

Moreover, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions that the fear of Allah is a (safety from every destruction)

نَجَاةٌ مِنْ كُلِّ هَلَكَة

This highlights that the fear of Allah protects us from the calamities and destruction that result from sinful actions. It serves as a shield against the spiritual, emotional, and physical harm that can befall us in this world and the Hereafter. Allah says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:53),

That is because Allah would not change a favor which He had bestowed upon a people until they change what is within themselves. And indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that through the fear of Allah, the runaway is rescued, what is sought is attained, and what is desired of the Hereafter is acquired. This signifies that the fear of Allah is a means of deliverance from difficulties and challenges, a source of fulfillment of our needs and desires, and a pathway to attaining success in the Hereafter. Allah says in Surah Al-Talaq (65:2-3),

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the profound significance of the fear of Allah as a key to righteousness, a store for the Hereafter, emancipation from every form of bondage, and safety from every destruction. It is through the fear of Allah that we find guidance, success, and protection in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate the fear of Him in our hearts and may it be a means of our salvation and success.