Hadith #4058

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, "مِلاكُ الدّينِ الوَرَعُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

The basis of religion is piety.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word (milak) "مِلاكُ" in this Hadith refers to the foundation or basis of something. It signifies the core principle upon which a system or structure is built. In the context of religion, it represents the fundamental principle that serves as the bedrock of one's faith and practice.

The term (ad-deen) "الدّينِ" in this Hadith refers to religion. It encompasses all aspects of faith, worship, and moral conduct. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses both the spiritual and practical dimensions of one's relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (al-wara') "الوَرَعُ" in this Hadith is translated as piety. It refers to a state of being cautious, vigilant, and mindful of Allah's commands and prohibitions. It entails avoiding anything that may lead to sin or disobedience and striving to fulfill one's obligations to Allah with sincerity and devotion.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of piety as the foundation of religion. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

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

This verse highlights that the ultimate provision for the journey of life is not material possessions but rather piety.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, not in worldly status or lineage.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The bedouins say, 'We have believed.' Say, 'You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts. And if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds of anything. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights that true belief is not merely a verbal claim but is manifested through obedience to Allah and His Messenger. It is through piety and submission to Allah's commands that true faith is established.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the gate of knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the significance of piety as the foundation of religion. He teaches us that without piety, our religious practices become hollow and devoid of true substance. Piety is what breathes life into our faith, making it vibrant and meaningful.

When we establish piety as the basis of our religion, it influences every aspect of our lives. It motivates us to be mindful of our actions, words, and thoughts, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. Piety serves as a guiding light, helping us navigate through the challenges and temptations of this world, and keeping us steadfast on the path of righteousness.

Moreover, piety has profound consequences on our spiritual growth and development. It purifies our hearts, strengthens our relationship with Allah, and enables us to attain His pleasure. It instills in us a sense of accountability and responsibility, reminding us that our actions have consequences in this life and the hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of cultivating piety in our lives. It is through piety that we can truly embody the essence of our religion and fulfill our purpose as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to establish piety as the foundation of our faith and guide us on the path of righteousness.