Hadith #1273

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,

لاوَسيلَةَ أنْجَحُ مِنَ الإيمانِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no medium more successful than faith.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the unparalleled importance and effectiveness of faith in achieving success.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (waseelah) "وَسِيلَة" refers to a means or medium through which a desired outcome is achieved. It implies a connection or link between two entities. In this context, it refers to any means or method that one may employ to attain success. The word (anjah) "أَنْجَحُ" means more successful or more effective. It signifies the superiority and excellence of a particular means or method. Finally, the word (al-iman) "الإيمانِ" refers to faith, which is the belief in the unseen, submission to Allah's will, and the acceptance of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the final messenger.

To understand the significance of faith as the most successful means, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165),

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the strength and power that faith instills in the hearts of believers. It is this unwavering love and devotion to Allah that gives them the strength to overcome any obstacle and achieve success.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) as a means of maintaining strength and success. Faith in Allah and His guidance is the driving force behind this obedience, enabling believers to remain steadfast and resolute in the face of challenges.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the fact that faith is not merely a passive belief, but a dynamic force that empowers individuals to achieve success in all aspects of life. Faith provides believers with a sense of purpose, direction, and motivation. It serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards righteousness and success.

When one possesses true faith, it becomes the driving force behind their actions and decisions. It shapes their character, values, and priorities. Faith inspires individuals to strive for excellence, to seek knowledge, to uphold justice, and to serve humanity. It instills in them a sense of responsibility towards themselves and others, motivating them to make positive contributions to society.

Moreover, faith provides believers with inner peace and contentment, even in the face of adversity. It gives them the strength to persevere through hardships, knowing that Allah's help and guidance are always with them. This unwavering trust in Allah's plan and His promise of reward in the hereafter fuels their determination and resilience.

Conversely, those who lack faith may find themselves lost and directionless. Without the anchor of faith, they may seek success through worldly means alone, such as wealth, power, or fame. However, these material pursuits often leave them feeling empty and unfulfilled. They may experience a constant sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction, as their achievements fail to provide true and lasting happiness.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the unparalleled importance and effectiveness of faith in achieving success. Faith serves as a means of connection between individuals and Allah, enabling them to overcome challenges, maintain strength, and find true fulfillment. It is through faith that believers find purpose, guidance, and inner peace. May Allah grant us all the strength to strengthen our faith and strive for success in this world and the hereafter.