Hadith #11446

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أيْقِنْ (أتْقِنْ) تُفْلِحْ۔" This can be translated as,

Attain certitude (or proficiency) and you will be successful.

This short but thought-provoking saying holds immense wisdom and guidance for Muslims.

The word (ayqin) "أيْقِنْ" or (atqin) "أتْقِنْ" can be understood in two different ways. The first interpretation is "attain certitude," which refers to having absolute conviction and unwavering faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His teachings. It implies having complete trust in the truthfulness of Islam and the guidance it provides. This certitude is not based on blind faith, but rather on deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The second interpretation of (ayqin) "أيْقِنْ" or (atqin) "أتْقِنْ" is "attain proficiency." This refers to acquiring knowledge and expertise in various aspects of life, including religious knowledge, worldly affairs, and personal skills. It encourages Muslims to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives, to continuously seek knowledge, and to develop their abilities to the best of their capabilities.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the believers are only the ones 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 certitude and proficiency in the lives of believers. It highlights that true believers are those who have firm faith in Allah and His Messenger, without any doubts or uncertainties. They are the ones who strive with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not expect us to attain knowledge or proficiency beyond our capabilities. We are encouraged to strive for excellence, but within the limits of our abilities. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) knows our strengths and weaknesses, and He does not burden us with more than we can handle.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to seek knowledge, develop their skills, and strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. By attaining certitude in their faith and proficiency in their endeavors, Muslims can achieve success in both this world and the hereafter. Certitude in faith provides a solid foundation for one's actions and decisions, while proficiency enables individuals to contribute positively to society and fulfill their responsibilities.

For example, a Muslim who has certitude in their faith will not be swayed by doubts or distractions. They will remain steadfast in their worship, adhere to the teachings of Islam, and strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of their life. This certitude will motivate them to perform their prayers, give charity, and engage in acts of kindness and compassion towards others.

Similarly, a Muslim who attains proficiency in their chosen field or area of expertise can make significant contributions to society. Whether it is in the fields of medicine, engineering, education, or any other profession, a knowledgeable and skilled Muslim can positively impact the lives of others. They can use their abilities to serve humanity, promote justice, and uphold the values of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "أيْقِنْ (أتْقِنْ) تُفْلِحْ۔" encourages Muslims to attain certitude in their faith and proficiency in their endeavors. By having unwavering faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His teachings, and by continuously seeking knowledge and developing their skills, Muslims can achieve success in this world and the hereafter. This Hadith reminds us of the importance of combining faith with action, and knowledge with practice, in order to lead a fulfilling and purposeful life as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to attain certitude and proficiency, and may He bless us with success in all our endeavors.