Hadith #11464

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The cause of sincerity is certitude.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (ikhlas) "إخْلاص" in Arabic refers to sincerity or purity of intention. It is the act of dedicating one's actions solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), without any ulterior motives or seeking any worldly gains. The word (yaqeen) "يَقِين" means certitude or absolute conviction. It signifies having unwavering faith and complete trust in Allah's existence, His attributes, and His promises.

To understand the importance of sincerity and certitude, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Bayyinah (98:5),

And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion.

This verse emphasizes the significance of sincerity in worship. It reminds us that our acts of worship, such as prayer and giving zakah, should be performed solely for the sake of Allah, with no desire for recognition or worldly gains. Sincerity is the essence of true faith and the foundation of a correct and acceptable religion.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:162), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'

This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of sincerity. It teaches us that not only our acts of worship but also our entire lives should be dedicated to Allah alone. Our intentions, actions, and even our thoughts should be guided by the desire to please Allah and seek His pleasure.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

The cause of sincerity is certitude.

This statement emphasizes the inseparable connection between sincerity and certitude. Certitude, or absolute conviction in the existence and attributes of Allah, is the foundation upon which sincerity is built.

When one truly believes in the oneness of Allah and acknowledges His presence in every aspect of life, it becomes natural to dedicate all actions to Him alone. Certitude strengthens one's faith and motivates them to seek Allah's pleasure in all their endeavors. It eliminates any doubts or wavering in one's intentions and ensures that sincerity becomes the driving force behind their actions.

For example, when a person is certain that Allah is the All-Knowing and All-Seeing, they will strive to maintain sincerity even in private acts of worship, knowing that Allah is aware of their intentions. Similarly, when faced with worldly temptations or challenges, certitude in Allah's promises and His ultimate judgment encourages one to remain steadfast and sincere in their actions.

The consequence of practicing sincerity with certitude is a profound transformation in one's relationship with Allah. It leads to a deep sense of connection and closeness to the Creator, as the individual's actions become a means of seeking His pleasure and drawing nearer to Him. Sincerity with certitude also brings about a sense of peace and contentment, knowing that one's efforts are solely for the sake of Allah and not driven by external factors.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

The cause of sincerity is certitude,

highlights the inseparable connection between these two fundamental aspects of faith. Certitude strengthens one's conviction in Allah's existence and attributes, leading to sincere intentions and actions dedicated solely to pleasing Him. By practicing sincerity with certitude, Muslims can deepen their relationship with Allah and strive towards a more meaningful and fulfilling spiritual journey. May Allah grant us all the ability to cultivate sincerity and certitude in our lives.