Hadith #10903

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 righteousness of the soul is piety.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (salah) "صَلاحِ" refers to righteousness or rectitude. It encompasses the state of being morally upright and virtuous. It is the quality of having a sound and pure soul, free from any impurities or vices. Salah is the ultimate goal for every Muslim, as it leads to the attainment of spiritual excellence and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (nafs) "نَفْسِ" refers to the soul or the self. It is the inner essence of a person that encompasses their thoughts, desires, and emotions. The nafs can be influenced by both good and evil, and it is our duty to purify and elevate it through righteous actions and intentions.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find support for the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking righteousness and piety while also fulfilling our worldly responsibilities. It reminds us that true success lies in balancing our worldly affairs with our spiritual growth. By doing good and avoiding corruption, we can attain the righteousness of the soul mentioned in the Hadith.

Another verse that supports this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13:

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 of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that the true measure of nobility and superiority in the sight of Allah is not based on lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but rather on righteousness. The more pious and God-conscious a person is, the more elevated they are in the eyes of Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the meaning of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that the key to attaining righteousness and rectitude of the soul is through piety. Piety, or (al-wara') "الْوَرَعُ", refers to being cautious and abstaining from anything that may displease Allah.

Piety is not limited to performing the obligatory acts of worship, but it extends to all aspects of our lives. It involves being mindful of our actions, intentions, and choices, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. It means refraining from engaging in sinful behavior and striving to please Allah in all that we do.

By practicing piety, we cultivate a sense of God-consciousness and develop a strong connection with our Creator. We become more aware of the consequences of our actions and strive to make choices that are pleasing to Allah. This leads to the purification and elevation of our souls, ultimately resulting in righteousness.

The motivation behind practicing piety is the desire to attain the pleasure of Allah and to secure success in the Hereafter. It is the recognition that this worldly life is temporary and that our ultimate goal is to seek the pleasure of Allah and gain His mercy and forgiveness.

The consequence of practicing piety is the transformation of our souls and the attainment of spiritual excellence. It brings about a sense of inner peace, contentment, and tranquility. It enables us to navigate the challenges of life with patience and resilience, knowing that our ultimate success lies in pleasing Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the cause of righteousness of the soul is piety. By practicing piety, we purify and elevate our souls, leading to spiritual excellence and closeness to Allah. Let us strive to cultivate piety in all aspects of our lives, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the attainment of righteousness. May Allah guide us all on the path of piety and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.