Hadith #1295

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,

A believer is modest, independent, certain, and pious.

Let us delve into the meanings and implications of these words in light of the Quran.

The first quality mentioned in the Hadith is "modesty" or "hayaa" in Arabic. Modesty is a virtue that encompasses humility, bashfulness, and a sense of shame in front of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is the characteristic of a person who is aware of their own shortcomings and is cautious in their actions and speech. The Quran emphasizes the importance of modesty in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), 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 the significance of modesty in both physical and spiritual aspects of our lives.

The second quality mentioned is "independence" or "ghina" in Arabic. This refers to a believer's self-sufficiency and contentment with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided. It is the ability to detach oneself from material possessions and rely solely on Allah for sustenance and guidance. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of contentment and detachment from worldly desires. In Surah At-Talaq (65:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

This verse reminds us that true independence lies in relying on Allah rather than worldly possessions or people.

The third quality mentioned is "certainty" or "yaqeen" in Arabic. This refers to the unwavering faith and conviction of a believer. It is the firm belief in the existence and oneness of Allah, as well as the truthfulness of His messengers and the teachings of Islam. The Quran encourages believers to seek knowledge and strengthen their certainty. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights the importance of having unwavering certainty in our faith and actively striving to uphold it.

The fourth and final quality mentioned is "piety" or "taqwa" in Arabic. Piety encompasses righteousness, God-consciousness, and fear of Allah's punishment. It is the constant awareness of Allah's presence and the desire to please Him in all aspects of life. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of taqwa. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse reminds us that true piety is the best provision for our journey in this world and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the qualities that a believer should strive to possess. Modesty, independence, certainty, and piety are all interconnected and essential for a strong and steadfast faith. A believer who is modest recognizes their weaknesses and strives to improve themselves. They are independent, relying solely on Allah for their needs and not being attached to worldly possessions. They have certainty in their faith, unwavering in their belief in Allah and His guidance. And finally, they are pious, constantly striving to please Allah and avoid His displeasure.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating these qualities in our own lives. By embodying modesty, independence, certainty, and piety, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah and become better Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and guide us on the path of righteousness.