Hadith #5369

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 the final Messenger, Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

دَعْ ما يُريبُكَ إلى ما لا يُريبُكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Abandon that which causes you to doubt for that which does not cause you to doubt.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds great wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their daily lives.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (yuribuka) "يُريبُكَ" comes from the root word (rayb) "رَيْب", which means doubt or uncertainty. It refers to anything that creates hesitation or uncertainty in one's heart or mind. On the other hand, (ma la yuribuka) "ما لا يُريبُكَ" means that which does not cause doubt or uncertainty. It refers to actions, beliefs, or decisions that are clear, certain, and free from any doubt.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and doubts about others. It teaches us to refrain from indulging in baseless suspicions and gossip. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this message by urging us to abandon anything that causes doubt and uncertainty in our hearts. By doing so, we can maintain a peaceful and harmonious society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong.

This verse highlights the importance of clarity and certainty in matters of faith. It reminds us that Islam is a religion of conviction and choice, not coercion. Therefore, we should strive to seek knowledge and understanding that strengthens our faith and eliminates any doubts or uncertainties.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to prioritize actions and beliefs that are free from doubt. It urges us to seek knowledge, consult reliable sources, and make informed decisions. By doing so, we can strengthen our faith, enhance our character, and lead a more purposeful life.

For example, let's consider a situation where a Muslim is unsure about the permissibility of a particular financial transaction. They have doubts about its compliance with Islamic principles. In such a case, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith advises them to abandon that transaction and seek an alternative that is free from doubt. This not only ensures the preservation of their faith but also protects them from engaging in any potentially sinful or harmful actions.

Moreover, this Hadith also has broader implications in our personal and social lives. It encourages us to surround ourselves with trustworthy individuals, to seek knowledge from reliable sources, and to make choices that align with our values and principles. By doing so, we can cultivate a sense of certainty, peace, and contentment in our hearts.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to abandon anything that causes doubt and uncertainty in our lives. It encourages us to seek clarity, knowledge, and certainty in our actions, beliefs, and decisions. By doing so, we can strengthen our faith, enhance our character, and lead a more purposeful and fulfilling life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to always choose that which does not cause doubt and uncertainty.