Hadith #9004

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

How can the heart of one whose faith is not steadfast be upright?

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of having a steadfast and unwavering faith in order to maintain a righteous heart.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qalb) "قَلْبُ" refers to the heart, which is not merely the physical organ, but also the center of emotions, thoughts, and intentions. It is the spiritual core of a person. The word (yastaqim) "يَسْتَقِمْ" means to be upright, steadfast, and on the right path. And the word (deen) "دِينُهُ" refers to one's religion, encompassing their beliefs, practices, and overall way of life.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Hud, verse 112,

So stand firm (on the straight path) as you are commanded, you and those who turn to Allah with you, and do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast on the straight path, which can only be achieved through a firm and unwavering faith.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the necessity of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, which can only be accomplished if one's faith is steadfast and unwavering.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that a heart that lacks steadfastness in faith will inevitably lead to deviation and moral corruption. A person with an unsteady faith may easily be swayed by worldly temptations, doubts, and desires, which can lead them astray from the path of righteousness.

A steadfast heart, on the other hand, is one that remains firm in its belief, unwavering in its devotion, and resolute in its commitment to Allah and His teachings. Such a heart is not easily influenced by external factors, but rather seeks guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is a heart that is constantly striving to improve its relationship with Allah and seeks to align its actions with the principles of Islam.

The consequences of having an unsteady faith are grave. It can lead to a loss of moral compass, a lack of purpose, and a disconnect from the divine. It can also result in a weakened relationship with Allah and a diminished sense of spirituality. Conversely, a steadfast faith brings about inner peace, contentment, and a sense of purpose in life. It strengthens the bond with Allah and allows one to navigate the challenges of life with resilience and guidance.

As Muslims, we are reminded by this Hadith to constantly evaluate the steadfastness of our faith. We must strive to strengthen our hearts through continuous reflection, seeking knowledge, and purifying our intentions. By doing so, we can ensure that our hearts remain upright and steadfast on the path of righteousness, enabling us to attain the pleasure of Allah and the ultimate success in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to maintain a steadfast faith and upright hearts. May He guide us to the straight path and protect us from deviation. And may He shower His blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.