Hadith #6369

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The adornment of worship is humility [and submissiveness].

This thought-provoking saying highlights the importance of humility and submissiveness in our acts of worship. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (zayn) "زَيْنُ" means adornment or beauty. It refers to something that enhances the beauty or attractiveness of a person or thing. In this context, it signifies that humility and submissiveness beautify and enhance our worship. They add a sense of sincerity and purity to our acts of devotion.

The word (ibadah) "عِبَادَةِ" translates to worship. It encompasses all acts of worship that we perform to seek nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This includes prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, and other acts of devotion. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that humility and submissiveness are essential components of true worship.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support and shed light on the significance of humility and submissiveness in worship. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:77),

O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may succeed.

This verse emphasizes the physical acts of bowing and prostrating in prayer, which are outward manifestations of humility and submission before Allah.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:45), Allah says,

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].

This verse highlights the connection between patience, prayer, and humility. It suggests that true worship requires us to be humble and submissive to Allah's will, even in times of difficulty.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:1-2), Allah describes the successful believers as those who are

humble in their prayers

and who

turn away from ill speech.

This indicates that humility in prayer is a characteristic of the righteous and is closely linked to refraining from engaging in sinful speech.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that humility and submissiveness are integral to the true essence of worship. When we approach our acts of devotion with humility, we acknowledge our dependence on Allah and recognize His greatness. This humility brings sincerity and purity to our worship, allowing us to establish a deeper connection with our Creator.

Humility in worship also has profound consequences in our lives. It helps us develop a sense of gratitude and contentment, as we recognize that all blessings come from Allah alone. It fosters a sense of empathy and compassion towards others, as we realize our own weaknesses and shortcomings. Moreover, humility in worship safeguards us from arrogance and pride, which are detrimental to our spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that humility and submissiveness are the adornments of worship. They beautify our acts of devotion and bring sincerity and purity to our worship. By embodying humility in our worship, we establish a deeper connection with Allah and experience the transformative power of true devotion. May Allah grant us the ability to worship Him with humility and sincerity, and may He accept our worship.