Hadith #10894

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

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

Through true piety, religion is protected.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sidq) "صِدْقِ" in the Hadith refers to true piety or sincerity. It signifies the genuine and unwavering commitment to righteousness and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is the state of being truthful in one's actions, intentions, and beliefs. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of sincerity in various verses of the Quran.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 claims of faith and true belief that resides in the heart. It teaches us that true piety is not just a matter of words, but it requires sincere submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and obedience to His Messenger (ﷺ).

The word (war'a) "الوَرَعِ" in the Hadith refers to piety or righteousness. It encompasses the act of guarding oneself against sin and fulfilling the obligations prescribed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is the conscious effort to stay away from anything that displeases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to adhere to His commandments. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of piety as a means of protecting one's faith.

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

Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is piety. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights that piety is the best provision for the journey of Hajj, which is a physical manifestation of one's commitment to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that true piety entails not only refraining from physical sins but also avoiding disputes and disobedience during acts of worship.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that through true piety, religion is protected. When individuals sincerely strive to be pious and righteous, they create a shield around their faith, safeguarding it from the influences of doubt, temptation, and deviation. True piety acts as a fortress that strengthens one's connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preserves the integrity of their religious beliefs and practices.

Moreover, true piety has far-reaching consequences. It not only protects an individual's faith but also serves as a source of inspiration for others. When Muslims embody true piety, they become beacons of guidance and role models for their communities. Their actions and character reflect the beauty and truth of Islam, inviting others to embrace the religion and leading them towards the path of righteousness.

Let us reflect upon the profound wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to cultivate true piety in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and sincerity to protect our religion through our actions, intentions, and beliefs. May He guide us to be steadfast in our commitment to righteousness and obedience. And may He bless us with the ability to inspire others towards the path of true piety.