Hadith #1216

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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) states,

The closest people to Allah, the Glorified, are the ones with the greatest faith.

This beautiful saying highlights the significance of faith in drawing near to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the meanings and implications of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (aqrabu) "أقْرَبُ" in the Hadith means "closest" or "nearest." It signifies the proximity and nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that individuals can achieve through their faith. This closeness to Allah is not physical, but rather spiritual and metaphysical. It is a state of being in which one's heart and soul are deeply connected to the Divine.

The word (iman) "إيماناً" in the Hadith refers to faith or belief. It encompasses both belief in the heart and actions that manifest that belief. True faith is not merely a verbal declaration, but it is a comprehensive system that guides one's thoughts, beliefs, and actions. It is the foundation upon which a Muslim builds their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of faith and its role in drawing closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14),

The Bedouins say, 'We have believed.' Say, 'You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts.

This verse highlights that true faith is not just a claim, but it must penetrate the depths of one's heart.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is in Surah Al-Anfal (8:2), where Allah says,

Indeed, the believers are those whose hearts tremble at the mention of Allah.

This verse emphasizes the profound impact that faith has on the hearts of believers. It is through faith that the hearts are filled with awe, reverence, and love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the level of our faith determines our proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The stronger our faith, the closer we are to Allah. This closeness brings about numerous blessings and benefits in our lives.

When our faith is strong, we develop a deep sense of trust in Allah's plan and rely on Him in all matters. We understand that everything happens by His will and that He is the ultimate source of guidance and support. This unwavering faith gives us strength and resilience in the face of challenges and difficulties.

Furthermore, a strong faith leads to a profound sense of contentment and inner peace. We find solace in knowing that Allah is always with us, guiding and protecting us. This sense of peace allows us to navigate through the trials of life with patience and gratitude.

Moreover, a strong faith motivates us to strive for righteousness and to fulfill our obligations towards Allah and His creation. It inspires us to perform acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, with sincerity and devotion. These acts of worship not only bring us closer to Allah but also have a positive impact on our character and interactions with others.

Conversely, a weak or wavering faith distances us from Allah and deprives us of the blessings and benefits that come with being close to Him. It leads to doubt, confusion, and a lack of spiritual fulfillment. Therefore, it is essential for us as Muslims to continuously strengthen our faith through seeking knowledge, reflecting on the Quran, and engaging in acts of worship.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of faith in drawing near to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that the strength of our faith determines our proximity to the Divine. By nurturing and strengthening our faith, we can experience the blessings and benefits that come with being close to Allah. May Allah increase our faith and grant us the ability to draw closer to Him.