Hadith #11461

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, "بِاليَقينِ تَتِمُّ العِبادَةُ۔" This can be translated as,

Through certitude worship becomes complete.

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

The word (yaqeen) "يَقِين" in Arabic refers to certainty, conviction, and firm belief. It is the highest level of faith, where there is no room for doubt or hesitation. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that true worship is only perfected when it is accompanied by unwavering certainty in the heart.

The importance of certainty in worship is emphasized in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 connection between belief without doubt and sincere striving in the path of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the importance of having unwavering love and devotion for Allah alone, without associating any partners with Him.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true worship is not merely a physical act, but it requires a deep-rooted conviction and certainty in the heart. When we perform acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and giving charity, they should be accompanied by a profound belief in the existence and oneness of Allah, as well as a complete trust in His guidance and mercy.

Certainty in worship has profound consequences in our lives as Muslims. It strengthens our relationship with Allah and deepens our understanding of His attributes. It instills in us a sense of purpose and meaning, as we recognize that our worship is not in vain but is a means of drawing closer to our Creator. Certainty also protects us from doubts and distractions, enabling us to remain steadfast in the face of challenges and temptations.

Let us reflect on the example of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who demonstrated unwavering certainty in his worship. In Surah Al-An'am (6:75-79), Allah narrates the story of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) breaking the idols worshipped by his people. Despite facing opposition and ridicule, Ibrahim's conviction in the truth of monotheism remained unshaken. His unwavering certainty in Allah's existence and oneness led him to take bold actions in the pursuit of truth.

Similarly, when we have certitude in our worship, it motivates us to strive for excellence and sincerity in all aspects of our lives. It empowers us to make choices that align with our faith and values, even in the face of societal pressures. Certainty in worship also brings about a sense of tranquility and contentment, as we find solace in the knowledge that our actions are pleasing to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true worship is perfected through certitude. It is not enough to merely perform the physical acts of worship; rather, we must cultivate a deep-rooted conviction and unwavering belief in our hearts. This certainty strengthens our relationship with Allah, motivates us to strive for excellence, and brings about a sense of tranquility and contentment. May Allah grant us the ability to attain true certitude in our worship and lead us on the path of righteousness.