Hadith #1346

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily the certitude of a believer is seen in his actions and the doubt of a hypocrite is seen in his actions.

This Hadith highlights the importance of actions as a reflection of one's true faith and sincerity.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "certitude" is translated from the Arabic word "yaqeen," which refers to a firm and unwavering belief. It signifies a level of conviction and faith that is deeply rooted in the heart of a believer. On the other hand, the word "doubt" is translated from the Arabic word "shakk," which denotes uncertainty and hesitation.

The Hadith emphasizes that the true nature of a person's faith can be discerned through their actions. A believer who possesses unwavering certitude will demonstrate it through their righteous deeds. Their actions will be consistent with the teachings of Islam, reflecting their strong conviction in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the principles of the religion. Their faith will be evident in their honesty, kindness, generosity, and adherence to the commandments of Allah.

The Quran supports this concept of faith being manifested through actions. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes that true believers are those who not only have faith but also demonstrate it through their righteous actions and encourage others to do the same.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 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. And if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds of anything. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse highlights that mere verbal claims of faith are not sufficient. True faith is demonstrated through obedience to Allah and His Messenger, which is reflected in one's actions.

The consequences of this Hadith are profound. It reminds us that our actions are a reflection of our inner beliefs and intentions. It serves as a reminder to constantly evaluate our actions and ensure that they align with the teachings of Islam. If our actions are consistent with the principles of faith, it indicates a strong and unwavering belief. Conversely, if our actions are filled with doubt, hypocrisy, or inconsistency, it is a sign that our faith needs strengthening.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for self-improvement. It encourages us to strive for sincerity in our actions and to purify our intentions. It reminds us that our deeds should be performed solely for the sake of Allah and not to seek praise or validation from others. By aligning our actions with our beliefs, we can strengthen our faith and attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the true certitude of a believer is evident in their actions, while the doubt of a hypocrite is also reflected in their actions. This Hadith emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with our beliefs and serves as a reminder to constantly evaluate and improve ourselves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to strengthen our faith and manifest it through righteous actions.