Hadith #1708

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of having certainty in the recompense for our actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us that if we are not certain about the consequences of our deeds, then doubt will corrupt our certitude.

To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us analyze some key words. The word (jazaa') "جَزاءِ" refers to the recompense or reward that one receives for their actions. It encompasses both the rewards in this world and the hereafter. The word (shakk) "شَّكُّ" means doubt or uncertainty, while (yaqeenahu) "يَقينَهُ" means certitude or conviction.

This Hadith highlights the significance of having unwavering faith in the consequences of our actions. It reminds us that doubt can undermine our faith and lead to a lack of conviction in the divine justice and recompense. To further understand this concept, let us turn to the Quran for guidance.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of certainty and warns against doubt. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah says,

Indeed, 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 that true believers are those who have complete faith in Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) and do not allow doubt to hinder their dedication to the cause of Allah. They are steadfast in their conviction and take action without hesitation.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:260), where Allah narrates the story of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). When Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asked Allah to show him how He gives life to the dead, Allah commanded him to take four birds, cut them into pieces, mix the pieces, and then call them. Allah then resurrected the birds before Ibrahim's eyes.

This incident demonstrates the unwavering certainty of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the power and ability of Allah. He did not doubt or question Allah's command, but rather carried it out with complete conviction. This serves as a powerful example for us to have firm faith in Allah's promises and recompense.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that doubt can weaken our faith and hinder our progress on the path of righteousness. When we doubt the consequences of our actions, we may become complacent or engage in sinful behavior, thinking that there will be no accountability. This doubt can lead to a lack of motivation to perform good deeds and can ultimately corrupt our certitude in the divine justice.

On the other hand, having certainty in the recompense for our actions strengthens our faith and motivates us to strive for righteousness. It instills in us a sense of responsibility and accountability, knowing that every action will be rewarded or punished accordingly. This certitude encourages us to perform good deeds, avoid sins, and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to have unwavering certainty in the consequences of their actions. Doubt can corrupt our certitude and hinder our progress on the path of righteousness. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of certainty and the stories of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and other righteous individuals, we can strengthen our faith and strive to be among those who have complete conviction in the divine justice and recompense. May Allah grant us the ability to have unwavering faith and certitude in His promises.