Hadith #10942

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,

لاعَمَلَ أفْضَلُ مِنَ الوَرَعِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

There is no action better than [practicing] piety.

In this Hadith, the word (wara') "وَرَعِ" refers to the act of being cautious, pious, and mindful of Allah's commands and prohibitions. It encompasses a deep sense of awareness and consciousness of one's actions and their consequences.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of piety and righteousness in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:177)

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies in one's belief in Allah and His commandments, as well as in the actions that stem from this belief. It encompasses acts of charity, fulfilling promises, patience in times of difficulty, and establishing prayer. All of these actions are rooted in piety and consciousness of Allah's presence.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Hujurat, where Allah says, (Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority are not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly status, but rather on the level of piety and righteousness that one possesses.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the significance of piety as the best action one can undertake. By emphasizing the importance of piety, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding Muslims of the fundamental principle that all actions should be performed with a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of Allah's presence.

Practicing piety involves being mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. It means refraining from engaging in sinful behavior and striving to fulfill our obligations towards Allah and His creation. Piety is not limited to acts of worship such as prayer and fasting, but it encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our interactions with others, our honesty in business dealings, and our commitment to justice and fairness.

The motivation behind practicing piety is rooted in our love and reverence for Allah. We recognize that He is the All-Knowing, the All-Seeing, and the All-Hearing. We understand that every action we undertake is being witnessed by Him, and we strive to please Him in all that we do. This motivation drives us to be cautious and mindful of our choices, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam.

The consequences of practicing piety are manifold. On an individual level, it brings about a sense of inner peace and tranquility. When we are conscious of Allah's presence and strive to please Him, we experience a deep connection with our Creator. This connection fills our hearts with contentment and satisfaction, regardless of the challenges we may face in life.

On a societal level, practicing piety leads to a harmonious and just society. When individuals are mindful of their actions and fulfill their obligations towards Allah and His creation, it creates an environment of compassion, fairness, and mutual respect. It fosters a sense of responsibility towards one another and encourages acts of kindness and generosity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of practicing piety as the best action one can undertake. It reminds us of the importance of being cautious, pious, and mindful of Allah's commands and prohibitions in all aspects of our lives. By practicing piety, we strive to please Allah, experience inner peace, and contribute to the creation of a just and harmonious society. May Allah guide us all on the path of piety and righteousness.