Hadith #4931

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The outward side of Islam is radiant and its inward aspect is elegant.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (dhahir) "ظاهِرُ" in this Hadith refers to the outward or apparent aspect of Islam. It signifies the visible practices and rituals that are observed by Muslims, such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. These acts of worship are essential in Islam, as they serve as a means of expressing our devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). However, it is important to note that the outward aspect of Islam alone is not sufficient for attaining true righteousness and spiritual growth.

To understand the significance of the inward aspect of Islam, we turn to the Quran. 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 of you.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and righteousness lie in the inward qualities of a person, such as piety, sincerity, and good character.

The word (muneeq) "مُونِقٌ" in the Hadith refers to the inward or hidden aspect of Islam. It signifies the spiritual and moral dimensions of the faith, which are deeply rooted in the heart and soul of a believer. This inward aspect encompasses qualities such as humility, compassion, patience, and selflessness. It is through cultivating these qualities that one can truly embody the essence of Islam.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of the inward aspect of Islam in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), He says,

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 highlights that true righteousness is not merely performing outward acts of worship, but it is also demonstrated through acts of charity, kindness, and social responsibility.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that while the outward aspect of Islam is important, it is the inward aspect that truly reflects the essence of our faith. The radiant outward side of Islam is a manifestation of the elegant inward aspect. When a Muslim combines the performance of outward acts of worship with the cultivation of inner qualities, they become a shining example of a true believer.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for a harmonious balance between the outward and inward aspects of Islam. It encourages us to not only focus on the external rituals but also to purify our hearts and souls, embodying the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

By embracing the inward aspect of Islam, we can develop a deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and experience spiritual growth. It is through the cultivation of inner qualities that we can truly transform ourselves and positively impact the world around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the radiant and elegant aspects of Islam, both inwardly and outwardly.