Hadith #1260

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) emphasizes the importance of faith and its obligation upon the believer to establish the traditions and ordinances of Islam. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (faith) "إيمان" refers to the belief and conviction in the heart, which is the foundation of Islam. It encompasses the acceptance of Allah's oneness, the prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ), and the belief in the Day of Judgment. Faith is not merely a passive state, but it requires action and implementation.

The word (possessor) "معتقد" refers to the one who possesses faith and believes in the principles of Islam. This implies that faith is not limited to mere verbal affirmation, but it necessitates a deep-rooted conviction in the heart that leads to action.

The phrase (establishing the traditions of Islam and its ordinances)

إقامة سنن الإسلام والفرض

encompasses the performance of both the Sunnah (traditions) and the Faraidh (obligatory acts) of Islam. It includes the observance of the five daily prayers, fasting in the month of Ramadan, giving Zakat, and performing Hajj, among other obligations.

To understand the significance of establishing the traditions and ordinances of Islam, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83):

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give Zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of establishing prayer and giving Zakah, which are among the fundamental obligations of Islam. It emphasizes the significance of fulfilling these duties as a manifestation of true faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may succeed.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing the physical acts of worship, such as bowing and prostrating in prayer. It signifies that true faith is not limited to belief alone, but it requires the physical manifestation of devotion and obedience to Allah's commands.

The exegesis of this Hadith highlights the comprehensive nature of faith in Islam. It is not confined to mere belief, but it necessitates action and implementation of the traditions and ordinances of Islam. Faith should motivate Muslims to establish prayer, fulfill their obligations, and engage in acts of goodness and righteousness.

By establishing the traditions and ordinances of Islam, Muslims demonstrate their commitment to Allah and their submission to His commands. This obedience leads to spiritual growth, personal development, and a closer relationship with Allah. It also fosters a sense of community and unity among Muslims, as they collectively strive to uphold the principles of Islam.

Conversely, neglecting the establishment of the traditions and ordinances of Islam can have detrimental consequences. It can lead to a weakening of faith, moral decay, and a disconnection from the teachings of Islam. It is essential for Muslims to reflect upon the significance of this Hadith and strive to fulfill their obligations as a means of strengthening their faith and attaining success in this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the obligation of faith upon its possessor to establish the traditions and ordinances of Islam. This entails the performance of the Sunnah and the fulfillment of the obligatory acts of Islam. By doing so, Muslims demonstrate their commitment to Allah and their dedication to living a life in accordance with His commands. May Allah grant us the ability to establish the traditions and ordinances of Islam and strengthen our faith.