Hadith #2628

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) states,

One who does not act upon the truth will never attain salvation.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of not only knowing the truth but also implementing it in our lives. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (haqq) "حَقِّ", which translates to "truth" in English. The truth referred to here is not merely factual information, but rather the Divine truth that encompasses the teachings of Islam. It includes the beliefs, principles, and moral values that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has revealed to us through the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of acting upon the truth in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Imran (3:104), Allah says,

Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. And it is they who are successful.

This verse highlights the significance of actively promoting and practicing righteousness, which is an essential aspect of acting upon the truth.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah states,

Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and advise each other to truth and advise each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not only believing in the truth but also engaging in righteous actions and encouraging others to follow the path of truth.

The consequences of not acting upon the truth are severe. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:174), Allah warns,

Indeed, those who conceal what We sent down of clear proofs and guidance after We made it clear for the people in the Scripture - those are cursed by Allah and cursed by those who curse.

This verse highlights the condemnation faced by those who deliberately hide or ignore the truth, denying themselves and others the opportunity for salvation.

The motivation to act upon the truth lies in the recognition of its immense value and the desire for salvation. Allah promises great rewards for those who adhere to the truth and act upon it. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:119), Allah says,

Allah will say, 'This is the Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness.' For them are gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, Allah being pleased with them, and they with Him. That is the great attainment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and understanding of the truth, reminds us that salvation cannot be attained without actively implementing the truth in our lives. Mere knowledge without action is insufficient. It is through our actions that we demonstrate our sincerity and commitment to the truth, and it is through these actions that we pave the way to salvation.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of aligning their beliefs and actions with the truth. It serves as a call to self-reflection and self-improvement, urging us to constantly evaluate our actions and ensure that they are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we strive towards attaining salvation and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to recognize and act upon the truth, and may He guide us on the path of righteousness and salvation.