Hadith #10139

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The basis of salvation is espousing faith and [having] true certitude.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (milak) "مِلاكُ" in Arabic refers to the foundation or basis of something. It signifies the core or essence upon which something is built. In this Hadith, it represents the fundamental principle or key element that leads to salvation.

The word (an-najah) "النَّجاةِ" means salvation or deliverance. It refers to being saved from the perils and consequences of sins and attaining eternal bliss in the Hereafter. It is the ultimate goal and aspiration of every Muslim.

The word (luzoom) "لُزُومُ" means to adhere to or hold fast to something. It implies a strong commitment and unwavering dedication. In this context, it signifies the necessity of embracing faith and not wavering from it.

The word (al-iman) "الإيمانِ" refers to faith or belief. It encompasses the belief in the Oneness of Allah, the Prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ), the Day of Judgment, and all other articles of faith. It is the foundation upon which a Muslim's entire life is built.

The word (sidq) "صِدْقُ" means truthfulness or sincerity. It signifies the authenticity and genuineness of one's faith. It is not merely a superficial belief, but a deep-rooted conviction that is reflected in one's actions and character.

The word (al-yaqeen) "الإيقانِ" refers to certitude or absolute conviction. It is a level of faith that goes beyond mere belief and reaches a state of unwavering certainty. It is the result of deep contemplation, knowledge, and spiritual experiences.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15),

Indeed, 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 emphasizes the importance of true faith and sincerity in the path of salvation. It highlights that true believers are those who not only believe in Allah and His Messenger but also demonstrate their faith through their actions and sacrifices. Their faith is unwavering, and they strive in the cause of Allah without any doubt.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, 'What did Allah intend by this as an example?' He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient.

This verse highlights the importance of certitude in faith. It emphasizes that true believers recognize the signs and examples presented by Allah and have no doubt about their truth. They understand that even the smallest of creatures can serve as a profound lesson and a sign of Allah's wisdom and power. On the other hand, those who lack certitude and disbelief question the wisdom behind these examples and are led astray.

Based on these Quranic verses and the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that the foundation of salvation lies in embracing faith wholeheartedly and having true certitude. It is not enough to simply profess belief; rather, it requires a sincere commitment to Allah and His Messenger, as well as unwavering conviction in the truth of Islam.

This Hadith reminds us that salvation is not attained through mere rituals or empty claims, but through a deep-rooted faith that is reflected in our actions, character, and unwavering conviction. It serves as a motivation for us to strengthen our faith, seek knowledge, and strive to embody the teachings of Islam in every aspect of our lives.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embrace faith with true certitude and guide us on the path of salvation. May we be among those who are steadfast in their belief and strive in the cause of Allah. Ameen.