Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Allah said, 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My protection (Refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My Refuge) and I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to disappoint him."
Divine Protection for the Pious
Allah Almighty declares war against those who show hostility to His pious servants. This demonstrates the elevated status of the righteous believer in Allah's sight. The protection extends not merely to physical safety but encompasses spiritual guardianship. As Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains, this hadith qudsi shows that Allah becomes the defender of His beloved servants, making their enemies His own enemies.
The Path to Divine Love
The hadith outlines a clear spiritual progression: beginning with obligatory acts (fara'id), then supererogatory deeds (nawafil). As Imam al-Qurtubi comments, the obligatory acts establish the foundation of faith, while the nawafil elevate the servant to higher spiritual stations. This gradual approach reflects Allah's mercy, allowing believers to ascend step by step in their spiritual journey.
The continuous performance of nawafil brings the servant closer to Allah until reaching the station of divine love (mahabbah). At this stage, as explained by Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, the believer's will becomes aligned with Allah's will, such that their faculties operate in accordance with divine pleasure.
The Ultimate Divine Assistance
When Allah says "I become his hearing, his sight, his hand, and his foot," scholars interpret this as divine guidance and assistance in all actions. As Imam al-Nawawi states, this means Allah protects these faculties from being used in disobedience and directs them toward obedience. The believer at this stage perceives through divine light, hears with spiritual awareness, and acts with heavenly assistance.
The guaranteed response to supplication and protection reflects the special relationship between Allah and His beloved servant. As Imam al-Ghazali explains, when a servant's will aligns completely with divine will, their requests naturally conform to what Allah wishes to grant.
Divine Compassion in Death
Allah's hesitation in taking the soul of the believer, despite it being an easy matter for Him, demonstrates ultimate divine compassion. As Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari, this shows Allah's consideration for the believer's natural aversion to death, while simultaneously preparing for them an eternal reward far superior to worldly life. This divine hesitation reflects the depth of Allah's mercy toward those who have drawn near to Him.