Hadith #1207

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Faith is acknowledging with the tongue and acting with the limbs.

This impactful Hadith highlights the two essential components of faith: verbal affirmation and practical implementation. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word "faith" in Arabic is "Iman," which encompasses belief, conviction, and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is not merely a passive acceptance but an active and living reality that permeates every aspect of a Muslim's life. The Quran emphasizes the importance of faith in numerous verses, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 177:

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets.

The phrase

acknowledging with the tongue

refers to verbal affirmation of faith. It involves openly declaring one's belief in the oneness of Allah, the prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ), and the teachings of Islam. This declaration is known as the Shahada, which is the foundation of faith for every Muslim. Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat, Ayah 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.'

However, verbal affirmation alone is not sufficient. The second part of the Hadith states,

acting with the limbs.

This emphasizes the importance of translating our beliefs into actions. Faith should manifest in our behavior, character, and interactions with others. Allah says in Surah Al-Asr, Ayah 2-3:

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also emphasized the significance of actions in relation to faith. He said,

The best of you are those who have the best character.

This Hadith highlights the importance of embodying the teachings of Islam through our actions, treating others with kindness, honesty, and compassion.

When we acknowledge our faith with our tongues and act upon it with our limbs, we establish a harmonious connection between our beliefs and our deeds. This alignment between our inner convictions and our outward behavior is crucial for the development of a sincere and genuine faith. It is through this integration that we attain spiritual growth and draw closer to Allah.

Furthermore, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that faith is not limited to mere rituals or empty words. It encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our relationships, work, and personal conduct. It compels us to strive for excellence in all that we do, seeking the pleasure of Allah in every action.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the essence of faith. It emphasizes the importance of both verbal affirmation and practical implementation. By acknowledging our faith with our tongues and acting upon it with our limbs, we establish a strong foundation for a sincere and transformative relationship with Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to embody this Hadith in our lives and strengthen our faith through righteous actions.