Hadith #3993

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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, "الدّينُ أقْوى عِماد۔" This can be translated as,

Religion is the strongest pillar.

In this beautiful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance and strength of religion in the life of a Muslim.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (deen) "دين" refers to religion, faith, or way of life. It encompasses the beliefs, practices, and moral values that guide a person's life. The word (aqwa) "أقْوى" means strongest or most powerful, indicating the immense strength and stability of religion. Lastly, (imad) "عِماد" refers to a pillar or support, symbolizing the foundational role that religion plays in our lives.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of religion and its role as a guiding force for humanity. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:128)

And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth?

This verse highlights the superiority of those who adhere to their faith and engage in righteous actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us, (Quran 49:14)

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 importance of true faith and submission to Allah and His Messenger, which are integral components of religion.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the strength and stability that religion provides in our lives. Religion acts as a pillar that supports and sustains us through the trials and tribulations of life. It serves as a moral compass, guiding us towards righteousness and helping us navigate the challenges we face.

When we embrace religion as the strongest pillar, it becomes the foundation upon which we build our lives. It shapes our beliefs, values, and actions, providing us with a sense of purpose and direction. Religion empowers us to make choices that align with our faith and enables us to lead a life of integrity and righteousness.

Moreover, religion provides us with solace and comfort during difficult times. It gives us hope and reassurance that Allah is always with us, guiding and protecting us. This belief strengthens our resolve and helps us persevere through hardships, knowing that our faith will ultimately lead us to success.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder of the consequences of neglecting or weakening our religious foundation. When we disregard the importance of religion in our lives, we risk losing our sense of purpose and direction. We become vulnerable to the temptations and distractions of the world, which can lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the immense strength and significance of religion in our lives. It serves as the strongest pillar, providing us with guidance, stability, and moral grounding. By embracing religion as our foundation, we can lead a life of righteousness, find solace in times of hardship, and ultimately attain success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold our faith and make it the cornerstone of our lives.