Hadith #11459

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الْيَقِينُ أَفْضَلُ عِبَادَةٍ" which translates to

Certitude is the best worship.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the significance of having unwavering faith and complete certainty in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His divine attributes.

The word (al-yaqeen) "الْيَقِينُ" refers to certitude or absolute conviction. It is a state of firm belief and unwavering faith in the existence and oneness of Allah, His attributes, and the truthfulness of His messengers. Yaqeen is not merely a superficial belief, but a deep-rooted conviction that permeates every aspect of a Muslim's life.

To understand the significance of certitude, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 the importance of unwavering faith and the impact it has on a believer's actions. Certitude leads to sincere and dedicated efforts in the path of Allah, as it removes doubts and hesitation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The believers are only those whose hearts tremble with fear when Allah is mentioned, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.

This verse emphasizes the connection between certitude and the fear of Allah. When one truly believes in Allah with absolute conviction, their heart is filled with awe and reverence for Him. This fear of Allah strengthens their faith and reliance on Him.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the superiority of certitude as a form of worship. Worship is not limited to ritualistic acts of prayer and fasting, but it encompasses all aspects of a believer's life. Certitude is the foundation upon which all other acts of worship are built. It is the driving force behind sincere devotion, obedience, and submission to the will of Allah.

When a Muslim possesses certitude, it influences their thoughts, intentions, and actions. They are motivated to seek knowledge and understanding of the Quran and Sunnah, as they recognize that true certainty can only be attained through knowledge. This pursuit of knowledge leads to a deeper understanding of Allah's attributes, His guidance, and the purpose of life.

Certitude also has profound consequences in a believer's life. It provides them with strength and resilience in times of difficulty and adversity. When faced with challenges, a person of certitude remains steadfast and relies on Allah's help and guidance. They trust in His wisdom and believe that every trial is a test and an opportunity for growth.

Moreover, certitude instills a sense of peace and contentment in the heart. When one truly believes in the power and mercy of Allah, they find solace in His presence and are freed from the shackles of worldly attachments. Certitude enables a believer to detach themselves from materialistic desires and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of certitude as the best form of worship. It calls upon Muslims to cultivate unwavering faith and absolute conviction in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His divine attributes. Certitude influences a believer's thoughts, intentions, and actions, leading to sincere devotion, obedience, and submission to the will of Allah. It provides strength, resilience, and peace in times of difficulty, and it enables detachment from worldly distractions. May Allah grant us all the gift of certitude and make it a guiding light in our lives.