Hadith #4008

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The beauty of religion is piety.

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

The word (jamal) "جَمَالُ" in Arabic refers to beauty, grace, or elegance. It signifies the inherent attractiveness and charm of something. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses this word to describe the essence of religion. Religion, in its true form, is meant to be beautiful and captivating, drawing people towards it through its inherent goodness and righteousness.

The word (ad-din) "الدِّينِ" refers to religion or faith. It encompasses the beliefs, practices, and moral values that guide an individual's relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is the comprehensive system that governs one's life and shapes their character.

The word (al-wara') "الوَرَعُ" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah. It is the conscious effort to avoid anything that displeases Allah and to adhere to His commands and prohibitions. It is a state of mindfulness and awareness of Allah's presence in every aspect of life.

To understand the significance of piety in religion, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteousness and God-consciousness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:177)

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies in one's belief in Allah and the Hereafter, as well as in their actions towards others. It encompasses acts of charity, fulfilling promises, patience in times of difficulty, and establishing the obligatory prayers and giving zakah. These actions are manifestations of piety and are essential components of a beautiful and complete religion.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:13)

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 emphasizes that true nobility and honor are not based on worldly status or wealth, but on the level of piety and righteousness one possesses. It is the beauty of one's character and their devotion to Allah that truly matters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, highlights the significance of piety in religion. Piety is the foundation upon which a beautiful and complete religion is built. It is through piety that individuals are able to establish a strong connection with Allah and fulfill their obligations towards Him and His creation.

When individuals embody piety, they become a source of inspiration and guidance for others. Their actions and character reflect the true beauty of religion, attracting others towards the path of righteousness. Piety motivates individuals to strive for excellence in all aspects of life, seeking Allah's pleasure above all else.

Conversely, the absence of piety leads to a distorted understanding of religion, where rituals and outward appearances take precedence over true spirituality and moral values. Without piety, religion becomes a mere shell, lacking the essence and beauty that it is meant to possess.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the true beauty of religion lies in piety. Piety encompasses a deep sense of God-consciousness, righteousness, and devotion to Allah. It is through piety that individuals are able to establish a strong connection with Allah and fulfill their obligations towards Him and His creation. Piety is the foundation upon which a beautiful and complete religion is built, attracting others towards the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody piety and beautify our religion through our actions and character.