Hadith #1230

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

الإيمانُ بَريءٌ مِنَ النِّفاقِ

which translates to

Faith is free of hypocrisy.

This concise statement holds connotation and highlights the purity and sincerity of true faith.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words. "الإيمانُ" refers to faith, which encompasses belief in the heart, affirmation with the tongue, and actions that reflect one's conviction. It is a comprehensive concept that encompasses both belief and practice. "بريءٌ" means free or devoid of, indicating that faith is completely pure and untainted. Finally, "النِّفاقِ" refers to hypocrisy, which is the act of outwardly professing faith while concealing disbelief or insincerity within.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:1),

When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad], they say, 'We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah.' And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars.

This verse highlights the hypocrisy of those who claim to believe in the Prophet (ﷺ) while concealing their true intentions. It emphasizes that true faith is free from such deceit.

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

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 the distinction between mere verbal profession of faith and true belief that resides in the heart. It emphasizes that faith is not merely a claim, but a state of being that is reflected in one's actions.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that true faith is characterized by sincerity and authenticity. It is not a mere facade or a show for others. Rather, it is a deeply ingrained conviction that permeates every aspect of our lives. A person with true faith is consistent in their beliefs, words, and actions. They do not engage in hypocrisy or double standards. Their faith is genuine and unwavering.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly examine their intentions and ensure that their faith is free from hypocrisy. It encourages us to align our beliefs, words, and actions, and to strive for sincerity in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can attain the purity and authenticity that is inherent in true faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that faith is free from hypocrisy. It emphasizes the importance of sincerity and authenticity in our beliefs, words, and actions. By reflecting upon this Hadith and aligning ourselves with its teachings, we can strive to attain a pure and genuine faith that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of true faith and protect us from hypocrisy.