Hadith #1337

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما آمَنَ المُؤْمِنُ حتّى عَقَلَ۔

This can be translated as,

A believer has not [truly] believed until he comprehends.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of understanding and comprehension in the faith of a believer.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (aman) "آمَنَ" means "to believe" or "to have faith." It signifies a strong conviction and acceptance of the truth. The word (mu'min) "مُؤْمِنُ" refers to a believer, someone who has embraced Islam and has faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His Messenger (ﷺ). The word (hatta) "حتّى" means "until" or "up to." Finally, the word (a'qala) "عَقَلَ" means "to comprehend" or "to understand."

To further elucidate the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (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 distinction between mere verbal declaration of faith and true belief that resides in the heart. It emphasizes that faith is not merely a matter of words, but it requires a deep understanding and acceptance of the teachings of Islam. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the importance of understanding and comprehension in accepting the religion of Islam. It emphasizes that faith should be based on knowledge and conviction, rather than blind adherence or compulsion. It is through understanding the truth and rejecting falsehood that one truly embraces the faith.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith,

A believer has not [truly] believed until he comprehends,

serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge and understanding in their faith. It encourages believers to go beyond the superficial level of faith and delve into the depths of comprehension. True belief requires intellectual engagement, reflection, and the acquisition of knowledge.

By comprehending the teachings of Islam, a believer gains a deeper appreciation for the wisdom and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This understanding enables one to make informed decisions, act in accordance with the teachings of Islam, and navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and righteousness. It also helps in developing a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as the Quran states in Surah Al-Anfal (8:29),

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of comprehension and understanding in the faith of a believer. It reminds Muslims that true belief goes beyond mere verbal declaration and requires intellectual engagement and reflection. By seeking knowledge and understanding, believers can strengthen their faith, make informed decisions, and develop a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to comprehend and practice our faith with sincerity and wisdom.