Divine Protection of the Servant in the Prophetic Tradition: A Reading of the Hadith, “Be Mindful of Allah, and He Will Protect You”

Abstract

This article addresses one of the attributes of Allah, namely His preservation of His servants. This preservation manifests in many forms: in the preservation of the servant's body and soul, and in the preservation of this universe that He has subjected for him, through His holding the heavens and the earth lest they should vanish, and His preserving what He has placed in it of blessings and provisions in the plants, animals, and inanimate things around him.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Guard Allah, and He will guard you,” which indicates that this preservation increases as the servant draws nearer to his Lord. There is a general preservation from Allah for all people, and there is a special preservation for His believing allies.

The study also indicates that Islamic law came with rulings and commands that protect the servant from deviation and misguidance, and it legislated acts of worship that maintain balance between soul and body, protect him from falling into the snares of Satan and from despair in this worldly life, and instill in him a spirit of hope, seriousness, and striving for what benefits him in both abodes.

This research therefore seeks to clarify the manifestations of this preservation, knowledge of which strengthens the servant's bond with his Noble Lord.