Hadith #10948

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الْوَرَعُ مُجِلٌّ۔" This can be translated as

Piety is an exalter.

Let us delve into the meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (al-wara') "الْوَرَعُ" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah. It encompasses a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of one's actions, thoughts, and intentions. It is a state of being cautious and mindful, striving to avoid anything that displeases Allah and adhering to His commandments. The word (mujillun) "مُجِلٌّ۔" means an exalter or a promoter. Therefore, the Hadith implies that piety has the power to elevate and uplift an individual.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the significance of piety and its transformative effects on individuals. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (أَتْقَاكُمْ). Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that the most honorable and esteemed individuals in the sight of Allah are those who possess piety. It is not wealth, status, or lineage that determines one's worth, but rather their level of righteousness and fear of Allah. Piety is the criterion by which Allah measures the nobility of a person.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse reiterates the importance of piety as the ultimate measure of honor and distinction in the sight of Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that piety has the power to exalt an individual. It elevates one's status and brings them closer to Allah. Piety acts as a guiding light, leading individuals towards righteousness and away from sin. It instills a sense of responsibility and accountability, motivating Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.

When a person embraces piety, they become conscious of their actions and strive to align them with the teachings of Islam. They become mindful of their speech, ensuring that their words are truthful, kind, and beneficial. They become cautious of their interactions, treating others with respect, compassion, and justice. They become aware of their thoughts and intentions, purifying them from any impurities such as envy, arrogance, or greed.

The consequences of practicing piety are profound. It brings about spiritual growth, inner peace, and a deep connection with Allah. It protects individuals from falling into the traps of worldly temptations and guides them towards the path of righteousness. Piety also has a positive impact on society as a whole, fostering harmony, justice, and compassion among its members.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of cultivating piety in our lives. It is not merely a superficial display of religious observances but a state of being that permeates every aspect of our existence. By nurturing piety within ourselves, we can experience personal growth, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and contribute positively to our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody true piety and may He elevate our status through our righteous actions. Ameen.