Hadith #5345

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Doubt leads to polytheism.

Let us delve into the meaning of this enlightening saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (al-irtiyab) "الارتياب", which translates to "doubt" in English. Doubt refers to a state of uncertainty or hesitation in one's beliefs or actions. It is a feeling that arises when one is unsure about the truth or validity of something.

To understand the significance of doubt leading to polytheism, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of certainty and steadfastness in faith. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah says,

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 highlights the importance of unwavering belief without any doubt. Doubt can weaken one's faith and lead them astray, as it opens the door to questioning the oneness of Allah and seeking alternative sources of guidance. This is where the connection to polytheism becomes apparent.

Polytheism, or (shirk) "شرك" in Arabic, refers to associating partners with Allah in worship or belief. It is the antithesis of Tawheed, the belief in the oneness of Allah. Doubt can lead to polytheism because it creates a vulnerability that allows other beliefs or ideologies to infiltrate one's faith. When a person begins to doubt the truth of Islam, they may be tempted to explore other paths, leading to the potential acceptance of polytheistic beliefs.

The Quran provides numerous examples of the consequences of doubt and its connection to polytheism. In Surah An-Nisa (4:51), Allah warns,

Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture, who believe in superstition and false objects of worship and say about the disbelievers, 'These are better guided than the believers as to the way'?

This verse illustrates how doubt can lead people to abandon the true path and embrace false beliefs. When individuals allow doubt to cloud their judgment, they become susceptible to the influence of misguided ideologies, leading them away from the pure monotheistic faith.

Furthermore, doubt can have severe consequences not only in this world but also in the hereafter. In Surah Al-Hajj (22:55), Allah warns,

And those who disbelieve will not cease to be in doubt of it until the Hour comes upon them unexpectedly or there comes to them the punishment of a barren Day.

This verse highlights the perpetual state of doubt that disbelievers will experience until the Day of Judgment. Their refusal to embrace faith and their persistent doubt will ultimately lead to their own destruction and eternal punishment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to guard against doubt and its potential consequences. It is a call to strengthen our faith, seek knowledge, and rely on the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

To avoid falling into the trap of doubt, we must constantly seek knowledge, reflect on the signs of Allah in the universe, and surround ourselves with righteous companions who can support and strengthen our faith. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the dangers of doubt and remain steadfast in our belief in the oneness of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the detrimental effects of doubt, which can lead to polytheism. It emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and the need to seek knowledge and guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. By recognizing the dangers of doubt and actively working to strengthen our faith, we can safeguard ourselves from straying from the path of monotheism and ensure our spiritual well-being in this world and the hereafter.