Hadith #10917

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ تَوَرَّعَ حَسُنَتْ عِبادَتُهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who adopts piety, his worship becomes good.

Let us begin by examining the key words in this Hadith. The word (tawarra'a) "تَوَرَّعَ" comes from the root word (wara'a) "وَرَعَ", which means to be cautious, to fear Allah, and to avoid sin. It implies a sense of mindfulness and consciousness in one's actions, especially in matters of worship. The word (hasunat) "حَسُنَتْ" means good or excellent, and (ibadatuhu) "عِبادَتُهُ" refers to acts of worship.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 77:

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 acts of worship with excellence and goodness. It highlights that true success lies in combining piety and righteousness with our worship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 115, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This verse reminds us of the purpose of our creation and the seriousness with which we should approach our worship. It encourages us to be mindful and conscious of Allah's presence in all our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the transformative power of piety in our worship. When we adopt piety and consciousness in our worship, it elevates the quality of our acts of worship. It is not merely the physical performance of rituals that matters, but the sincerity, mindfulness, and devotion with which we approach them.

For example, when we pray, it is not enough to mechanically go through the motions. True worship requires us to be fully present in our prayers, focusing our hearts and minds on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It entails understanding the meanings behind the words we recite, reflecting on the greatness of Allah, and seeking His forgiveness and guidance. By adopting piety, our prayers become a means of spiritual connection and purification.

Similarly, when we give charity, it is not enough to simply give out of obligation. Piety compels us to give with a sincere intention, seeking Allah's pleasure and the betterment of society. It motivates us to be mindful of the needs of others and to give generously, knowing that our wealth is a trust from Allah.

The consequences of adopting piety in our worship are profound. It brings about a transformation in our relationship with Allah and in our character. It instills in us a sense of humility, gratitude, and accountability. It strengthens our faith and deepens our connection with the Divine. It also inspires others around us, as they witness the sincerity and excellence of our worship.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating piety in all aspects of our lives, particularly in our worship. It is not enough to simply go through the motions; we must strive to excel in our acts of worship by being mindful, conscious, and sincere. By doing so, we can attain the true essence of worship and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to adopt piety and make our worship truly good.