From God-Consciousness to Social Influence: A Teaching of Imam al-Hadi (AS)

Introduction

The third of Rajab marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam ʿAli al-Hadi (peace be upon him), one of the Imams who lived under intense political pressure yet remained a profound moral guide for the Muslim community. In this brief but powerful hadith, Imam al-Hadi (AS) presents a clear principle:

امام هادی (ع): مَنِ اِتَّقَى اَللَّهَ يُتَّقَى وَ مَنْ أَطَاعَ اَللَّهَ يُطَاعُ (بحار الأنوار، ج ۷۵، ص ۳۶۶)

Imam al-Hadi (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever is mindful of Allah will be respected, and whoever obeys Allah will be obeyed.”

Educational messages from the hadith for teens and youth

1. Respect Begins with God-Consciousness

People respect those who have clear values and self-control rooted in faith.

Practical challenge: In one decision this week, choose what pleases Allah even if it is not popular.

2. Obedience to Allah Builds Inner Strength

Following Allah gives you confidence and direction.

Practical challenge: Pray one daily prayer on time all week and notice how it affects your focus.

3. You Don’t Need to Force Respect

True respect comes naturally when your actions are honest and consistent.

Practical challenge: Speak truthfully this week, even when a small lie seems easier.

4. Leadership Starts with Self-Discipline

Those who control their desires are more likely to influence others positively.

Practical challenge: Choose one habit to control this week (anger, phone use, or gossip).

5. Faith Makes You Trustworthy

People listen to those whose hearths, words and actions match towards Allah SWT.

Practical challenge: Keep one promise this week very carefully, no matter how small.

Educational messages from the hadith for parents

1. Authority Grows from God-consciousness

Parental authority is stronger when rooted in faith and God-consciousness.

Practical challenge: Review one household rule based on pleasing Allah and ensure it is applied fairly to everyone.

2. Teach Obedience to Allah Before Obedience to People

When children learn to obey Allah, they develop inner discipline.

Practical challenge: Talk with your child about one command of Allah and why it benefits life.

3. Taqwa Creates a Peaceful Home

God-consciousness reduces conflict and increases trust and love within the family.

Practical challenge: Begin one family conversation this week by reminding everyone of Allah.

Educational messages from the hadith for imams, chaplains, and religious leaders

1. Moral Authority Comes from Taqwa, Not Position

People follow religious scholars whose lives reflect what they preach.

Practical challenge: Privately review one area of your life to better align it with your sermons.

2. Obedience to Allah Strengthens Social Influence

A God-obedient leader speaks with credibility and calm authority.

Practical challenge: In one khutbah, connect a social issue directly to obedience to Allah.

3. Revive the Link Between Taqwa and Social Order

Help people see that obedience to Allah leads to harmony, not restriction.

Practical challenge: Dedicate a short talk to explaining how taqwa improves daily social relationships.