Hadith #3172

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, "الإخلاص أعلى فوز" which translates to

Sincerity is the highest [form of] success.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of sincerity in our actions and intentions.

The word (Ikhlas) "إخلاص" in this Hadith refers to sincerity or purity of intention. It is derived from the root word (khalaṣa) "خَلَصَ", which means to purify or to make something exclusive. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the act of performing actions solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure alone.

The word (fawz) "فوز" in this Hadith means success or triumph. It signifies achieving the ultimate goal and attaining the highest level of achievement. In this context, it refers to the ultimate success in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The concept of sincerity is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Bayyinah (98:5),

And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in worship and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:162), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'

This verse emphasizes the need for sincerity in all aspects of our lives, whether it be our prayers, sacrifices, or even our daily actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of sincerity by stating that it is the highest form of success. When we perform our actions with sincerity, solely seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), our deeds become purified and accepted in His sight. Sincerity ensures that our intentions are aligned with the teachings of Islam and that we are not seeking any worldly gains or recognition.

Sincerity has profound consequences in our lives as Muslims. It brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strengthens our relationship with Him. It also helps us maintain consistency in our actions, as we are not swayed by external factors or the desire for worldly rewards. Sincerity also leads to inner peace and contentment, as we find solace in knowing that our actions are solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we should strive to cultivate sincerity in all aspects of our lives. Whether it is in our worship, relationships, or daily interactions, we should always remind ourselves of the importance of purifying our intentions and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else. By doing so, we can attain the highest form of success and draw closer to our Creator. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be sincere in all our actions and bless us with the ultimate success in this world and the Hereafter.