Hadith #11462

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "ثَمَرَةُ اليَقينِ الزَّهادَةُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

The fruit of certitude is asceticism [and indifference towards worldly pleasures].

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (thamaratu) "ثَمَرَةُ" in this Hadith refers to the fruit or outcome of something. It signifies the result or consequence of a particular action or belief. In this context, it represents the outcome of certitude or strong faith. The word (al-yaqeen) "اليَقينِ" refers to certitude or absolute conviction. It is the highest level of faith, where there is no doubt or uncertainty.

The term (az-zuhadah) "الزَّهادَةُ" in this Hadith refers to asceticism or detachment from worldly pleasures. It signifies a state of indifference towards material possessions and a focus on the spiritual aspects of life. It is the act of renouncing worldly desires and seeking contentment in simplicity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadeed (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the illusion they create. It emphasizes that the true purpose of life lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the Hereafter. The fruit of certitude, as mentioned in the Hadith, is the realization of this truth and the subsequent detachment from worldly distractions.

Another verse that supports the concept of asceticism is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the balanced approach of a believer who seeks goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. It does not negate the importance of worldly provisions, but it emphasizes the need for detachment from excessive attachment to material possessions. The fruit of certitude, as mentioned in the Hadith, is the ability to strike this balance and prioritize the eternal over the temporary.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the fruit of certitude is asceticism and indifference towards worldly pleasures. When one possesses absolute conviction in the truth of Islam and the transient nature of this world, they naturally develop a detachment from material possessions and a focus on the spiritual realm.

This asceticism does not mean complete abandonment of worldly responsibilities or a life of seclusion. Rather, it is a mindset that allows one to use worldly resources and pleasures in moderation, without becoming enslaved by them. It is about recognizing that true contentment lies in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteousness.

Practicing asceticism helps Muslims to avoid the traps of materialism, greed, and excessive attachment to worldly desires. It allows them to prioritize their spiritual growth and the development of virtues such as gratitude, contentment, and generosity. By detaching from the temporary and focusing on the eternal, Muslims can lead a more meaningful and purposeful life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the fruit of certitude is asceticism and indifference towards worldly pleasures. It highlights the importance of developing a mindset that prioritizes the eternal over the temporary, and the spiritual over the material. By practicing asceticism, Muslims can attain a deeper level of faith and find true contentment in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to cultivate such certitude and detachment in our lives.