Hadith #7784

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

There is no good in an act except with certitude and piety.

This wise utterance emphasizes the importance of two key qualities in any action: certitude (yaqeen) and piety (wara'). Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the concept of (yaqeen) "certitude". Yaqeen refers to having absolute conviction and certainty in the truth of something. It is a state of unwavering faith and belief. In the context of this hadith, yaqeen signifies the necessity of having complete faith and conviction in the righteousness and validity of our actions. Without yaqeen, our deeds may lack sincerity and purpose.

The Quran beautifully emphasizes the importance of yaqeen in several verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15),

Indeed, the believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.

This verse highlights that true believers are those who have firm faith and do not waver in their commitment to Allah and His Messenger.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse emphasizes the importance of having unwavering love and devotion to Allah, which can only be achieved through yaqeen.

Secondly, let us explore the concept of (wara') "piety". Wara' refers to being cautious and mindful of Allah's commands, avoiding anything that may lead to sin or displeasure of Allah. It is a state of righteousness and consciousness in one's actions. In the context of this hadith, wara' signifies the importance of performing acts of goodness with a sense of mindfulness and adherence to the boundaries set by Allah.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of wara' in various verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is piety. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights that the best provision for any journey, whether physical or spiritual, is piety. It is through wara' that we can attain true righteousness and closeness to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, do not violate the rites of Allah or [the sanctity of] the sacred month or [neglect the marking of] the sacrificial animals and garlanding [them] or [violate the safety of] those coming to the Sacred House seeking bounty from their Lord and [His] approval. But when you come out of ihram, then [you may] hunt. And do not let the hatred of a people for having obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Haram lead you to transgress. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of wara' by instructing believers to cooperate in righteousness and piety, while avoiding sin and transgression.

In light of this hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that for any action to be truly good and beneficial, it must be performed with certitude and piety. Yaqeen ensures that our actions are sincere and rooted in unwavering faith, while wara' ensures that our actions are in accordance with the boundaries set by Allah, avoiding anything that may lead to sin or displeasure.

By embodying these qualities in our actions, we can strive towards excellence in our worship, relationships, and daily endeavors. We must seek to cultivate a deep sense of conviction and mindfulness, constantly reflecting on the intentions and consequences of our actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform all our acts with yaqeen and wara', and may He accept our efforts and guide us on the path of righteousness.