Hadith #10872

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 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Piety is the best attire.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "libas" in Arabic refers to clothing or attire. It is a physical covering that adorns the body and protects it from external elements. However, in this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses the term "libas" metaphorically to convey a deeper meaning. He emphasizes that the best attire, the most beautiful adornment, is not the physical garments we wear, but rather the state of piety that envelops our hearts and souls.

The term "war'a" in Arabic means piety or righteousness. It encompasses a deep sense of God-consciousness, fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and adherence to His commands. It is a state of being that reflects in one's thoughts, actions, and character. Just as clothing covers our bodies, piety covers our inner selves, protecting us from the temptations and sins of this world.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of piety and its significance in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 (atqa) of you.

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best.

This verse highlights that while physical clothing is necessary, it is the clothing of righteousness and piety that holds the highest value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement carries profound implications for our lives as Muslims. It reminds us that our external appearance, no matter how impressive, holds little significance compared to the state of our hearts and souls. Just as a person wearing exquisite clothing may still possess a corrupt character, true beauty lies in adorning ourselves with piety and righteousness.

Piety serves as a shield against the vices and temptations of this world. It motivates us to fulfill our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings. It inspires us to be honest, just, and compassionate in our dealings. It drives us to seek knowledge, purify our intentions, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.

The consequences of adorning ourselves with piety are manifold. It brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strengthens our relationship with Him. It instills tranquility and contentment in our hearts, even in the face of adversity. It earns us the respect and admiration of others, as they witness the positive impact of piety on our character and actions.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded to prioritize the development of our inner selves over the pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires. Let us strive to cultivate piety in our hearts, for it is the true adornment that will accompany us in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and to be among those who are adorned with piety.