Hadith #4041

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Just as a body and its shadow do not separate, so too religion and success do not separate.

This impactful Hadith highlights the inseparable connection between religion and success. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications.

The word (deen) "دين" in Arabic refers to religion, faith, or way of life. It encompasses all aspects of one's belief system, worship, and moral conduct. It is the path that guides individuals towards righteousness and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (tawfiq) "توفيق" means success, prosperity, or divine assistance. It is the divine enablement and guidance that leads individuals towards achieving their goals and attaining spiritual fulfillment.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we find several Quranic verses that emphasize the inseparable connection between religion and success. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:29),

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights that by adhering to the principles of the religion, individuals are granted divine guidance (criterion) and are blessed with forgiveness and mercy.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may succeed.

This verse emphasizes the importance of worship and righteous deeds as a means to attain success in this world and the hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws a parallel between the inseparability of a body and its shadow to highlight the inseparability of religion and success. Just as a body and its shadow are always connected, religion and success go hand in hand. True success is not limited to material wealth or worldly achievements; rather, it encompasses spiritual fulfillment, inner peace, and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

When individuals adhere to the teachings of their religion, they are guided towards righteousness and are granted the divine assistance necessary to overcome challenges and achieve success. This success is not limited to the spiritual realm but also extends to various aspects of life, including personal relationships, professional endeavors, and overall well-being.

For example, a person who upholds the principles of honesty, integrity, and compassion in their business dealings is more likely to achieve long-term success and earn the trust and respect of others. Similarly, a person who prioritizes their religious obligations, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, will experience a sense of inner peace and contentment that transcends material possessions.

Conversely, neglecting one's religious duties and principles can lead to spiritual emptiness, moral decay, and a lack of true success. Without the guidance and blessings that come from adhering to the teachings of Islam, individuals may find themselves lost, confused, and disconnected from their purpose in life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the inseparable connection between religion and success. Just as a body and its shadow are always connected, religion and success go hand in hand. By adhering to the teachings of Islam, individuals are guided towards righteousness and granted the divine assistance necessary to achieve success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to uphold our religion and attain true success.