Hadith #1246

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "زَيْنُ الإيمانِ الوَرَعُ۔" This can be translated as

The embellishment of faith is piety.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (zeen) "زَيْنُ" means embellishment or adornment. It refers to something that enhances the beauty or attractiveness of an object or concept. In this Hadith, it signifies that piety is not only a necessary component of faith but also serves to beautify and enhance it.

The term (al-Iman) "الإيمانِ" refers to faith, which is the belief in the heart, the affirmation of the tongue, and the actions of the limbs. It encompasses the entirety of one's belief system and is the foundation of a Muslim's relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Faith is the driving force behind our actions and the source of our spiritual strength.

The word (al-wara') "الوَرَعُ" is translated as piety or righteousness. It refers to a state of being cautious and mindful of Allah's commands and prohibitions. It involves refraining from anything that displeases Him and striving to fulfill His obligations. Piety is the manifestation of faith in our daily lives and is essential for the spiritual growth and purification of the soul.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of piety in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 (أَتْقَاكُمْ) of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that true nobility and superiority lie not in one's lineage or wealth, but in their level of righteousness and piety. It is the level of consciousness and fear of Allah that distinguishes individuals in His sight. This aligns perfectly with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), which emphasizes that piety is the adornment of faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights that the best provision for our journey in this world and the Hereafter is not material possessions or wealth, but rather piety. It is the consciousness of Allah and the adherence to His commands that will sustain us and guide us through the challenges of life.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that piety is not only a requirement of faith but also its adornment. It beautifies our faith and enhances its impact on our lives. When we embody piety, our actions become a reflection of our faith, and we strive to please Allah in all aspects of our lives.

Piety motivates us to perform acts of worship sincerely and consistently. It encourages us to be honest, just, and compassionate in our dealings with others. It instills in us a sense of humility and gratitude, recognizing that all blessings come from Allah alone. It also serves as a shield against sins and temptations, protecting us from the pitfalls of this world.

The consequences of embracing piety are profound. It brings us closer to Allah and strengthens our relationship with Him. It purifies our hearts and souls, enabling us to attain spiritual tranquility and inner peace. It also earns us the pleasure and blessings of Allah in this world 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 not enough to merely profess faith; we must adorn it with piety. Let us strive to be conscious of Allah in all our actions and make piety the guiding principle of our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to embody piety and beautify our faith.