Hadith #5375

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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: "المرتاب لادين له" which translates to

The sceptic has no religion.

In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of faith and certainty in one's religion.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (al-murtab) "المرتاب" refers to someone who is doubtful, skeptical, or uncertain. This person lacks conviction and is hesitant in accepting the truth. The word (la deen) "لادين" means "has no religion" or "has no faith." It signifies the absence of a firm belief system and a lack of commitment to a particular religious path.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of faith and certainty in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah 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 necessity of unwavering faith and the rejection of doubt.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143), Allah commands the believers to hold firmly to their faith:

And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you. And We did not make the qiblah which you used to face except that We might make evident who would follow the Messenger from who would turn back on his heels. And indeed, it is difficult except for those whom Allah has guided. And never would Allah have caused you to lose your faith. Indeed Allah is, to the people, Kind and Merciful.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that doubt and skepticism undermine the very essence of religion. A person who constantly questions and wavers in their belief system fails to establish a strong connection with Allah and His guidance. Such uncertainty hinders their spiritual growth and prevents them from fully embracing the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of cultivating unwavering faith and certainty in their religion. It encourages us to seek knowledge, engage in self-reflection, and strengthen our conviction in the truth of Islam. By doing so, we can overcome doubts and skepticism, and establish a solid foundation for our religious practices.

The consequences of being a skeptic without a firm religious belief are far-reaching. It can lead to a lack of purpose and direction in life, as well as a disregard for moral values and ethical principles. Without a strong faith, one may easily be swayed by doubts, temptations, and falsehoods. This can ultimately result in a state of confusion and spiritual emptiness.

In contrast, a person who firmly believes in their religion and strives to deepen their understanding of it will experience numerous benefits. They will find solace and tranquility in their faith, and their actions will be guided by the principles of Islam. Their certainty will enable them to face challenges with resilience and seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

The sceptic has no religion

emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and certainty in one's religious beliefs. Doubt and skepticism hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from fully embracing the teachings of Islam. By seeking knowledge, reflecting on the Quranic verses, and strengthening our conviction, we can overcome doubt and establish a strong connection with Allah. May Allah guide us all to steadfastness in our faith and protect us from the pitfalls of skepticism.