Hadith #4035

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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The height of religion is faith [and conviction].

This concise statement holds connotation and serves as a guiding principle for Muslims in understanding the essence of their faith.

Let us delve into the words of this hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The Arabic word (ghayatu) "غايَةُ" refers to the pinnacle or the ultimate goal. It signifies the highest point or the utmost level of something. In this context, it refers to the ultimate objective or purpose of religion.

The word (ad-din) "الدِّينِ" is commonly translated as religion. However, it encompasses a broader meaning, encompassing the entire system of beliefs, practices, and values that guide an individual's relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It includes not only the rituals and acts of worship but also the moral and ethical aspects of one's life.

The word (al-iman) "الإِيمَانُ" translates to faith or belief. It signifies a deep-rooted conviction in the heart, accompanied by sincere actions that align with that belief. It is not merely a superficial acceptance of the truth, but a profound trust and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His guidance.

To understand the significance of this hadith, we turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of faith in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14), Allah says,

The Bedouins say, 'We have believed.' Say, 'You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts.

This verse highlights the distinction between a superficial claim of faith and a true, heartfelt conviction.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah describes the characteristics of those who possess true faith, saying,

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.

This verse emphasizes that true faith is not limited to ritualistic practices, but it encompasses a comprehensive belief system that manifests in righteous actions and compassion towards others.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that the ultimate goal of religion is to attain a deep and unwavering faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is not merely about performing rituals mechanically, but about nurturing a sincere connection with our Creator. Faith should permeate every aspect of our lives, influencing our thoughts, intentions, and actions.

When faith becomes the height of our religion, it motivates us to seek knowledge, to reflect upon the signs of Allah's creation, and to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. It encourages us to be steadfast in the face of challenges, to trust in Allah's plan, and to seek His guidance in every decision we make.

Moreover, when faith becomes the pinnacle of our religion, it has profound consequences on our character and behavior. It instills in us a sense of humility, gratitude, and compassion. It inspires us to fulfill our obligations towards Allah and His creation, to be just, kind, and merciful. It empowers us to resist temptations and to overcome our weaknesses, as we are driven by the desire to please Allah and attain His pleasure.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the ultimate goal of religion is to attain a deep and unwavering faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through faith that we find purpose, guidance, and fulfillment in our lives. Let us strive to make faith the height of our religion, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to strengthen our faith and live in accordance with its teachings.