Hadith #11469

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, "كَفى بِاليَقينِ عِبادَةً۔" which translates to

Certitude is sufficient as worship.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of having unwavering faith and complete conviction in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (yaqeen) "يَقِين" in this Hadith refers to certitude or absolute conviction. It signifies a level of faith that is free from doubt, hesitation, or uncertainty. It is a state of firm belief in the existence and oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), His attributes, and His divine guidance. Yaqeen is not merely a superficial belief, but rather a deep-rooted conviction that permeates every aspect of a Muslim's life.

To understand the significance of certitude as worship, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15),

The believers are only those 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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and the commitment to act upon that faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the distinction between those who have certitude in Allah and those who associate partners with Him. The believers, who possess true yaqeen, have a profound love for Allah that surpasses any other attachment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that true worship is not limited to ritualistic acts of prayer, fasting, and charity. While these acts are undoubtedly important, they are only a part of the broader concept of worship. Worship encompasses every aspect of our lives, including our thoughts, intentions, and actions. It is through certitude, a deep-rooted conviction in Allah's existence and guidance, that our entire lives become an act of worship.

When we have complete certitude in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), it motivates us to align our thoughts, intentions, and actions with His divine will. It gives us the strength to overcome challenges, persevere in the face of adversity, and make choices that are pleasing to Him. Certitude becomes the driving force behind our worship, guiding us to live a life of righteousness, justice, and compassion.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also reminds us of the consequences of lacking certitude. When our faith is weak and doubts creep into our hearts, it can lead to confusion, indecision, and a wavering commitment to our religious obligations. It is through certitude that we find solace, peace, and a sense of purpose in our worship.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are encouraged to cultivate and strengthen their yaqeen through seeking knowledge, contemplating the signs of Allah's creation, and reflecting upon the verses of the Quran. By doing so, we can deepen our understanding of Allah's attributes, His mercy, His justice, and His guidance. This, in turn, strengthens our conviction and enables us to worship Allah with sincerity and devotion.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Certitude is sufficient as worship,

emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and complete conviction in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that true worship encompasses every aspect of our lives and is driven by our deep-rooted belief in Allah's existence and guidance. By nurturing and strengthening our certitude, we can live a life of devotion, righteousness, and submission to the will of Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to attain true certitude and make our entire lives an act of worship.