Hadith #1331

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights three important qualities that serve as signs of a true believer. These qualities are truthfulness, certitude, and having short hopes. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first quality mentioned is "truthfulness" or "siddiq" in Arabic. This refers to the sincerity and honesty of a believer in their words, actions, and intentions. The Quran emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:119),

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.

This verse encourages Muslims to align themselves with those who are truthful, as it is a characteristic of the believers.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises the truthfulness of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by saying,

Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.

This verse highlights the elevated status of those who possess the quality of truthfulness.

The second quality mentioned is "certitude" or "yaqeen" in Arabic. This refers to the unwavering faith and conviction of a believer in the existence and oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as well as in the teachings of Islam. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of having firm faith and certainty. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The believers are only the ones 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.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of the believers by saying,

Indeed, those who have believed and those who were Jews and the Sabeans and the Christians and the Magians and those who associated with Allah - Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed Allah is, over all things, Witness.

This verse highlights the importance of unwavering faith and certainty in the face of different beliefs and ideologies.

The third quality mentioned is "having short hopes" or "qasr al-amal" in Arabic. This refers to the believer's ability to limit their expectations and desires in this worldly life and instead focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. The Quran encourages Muslims to have a balanced perspective on worldly matters and to prioritize their efforts for the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that while worldly possessions may bring temporary pleasure, it is the good deeds and hope for the eternal reward that truly matter.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises Prophet Musa (Moses) to prioritize his efforts for the Hereafter by saying,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of balancing our worldly pursuits with the ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides valuable guidance for believers. It reminds us to prioritize truthfulness in our words and actions, to have unwavering certitude in our faith, and to limit our hopes and desires in this worldly life. By embodying these qualities, we can strive to become true believers who are sincere in their devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and who seek the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and attain His pleasure.