Hadith #5748

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:

Two things are the basis of religion: honesty and certainty.

This wise utterance emphasizes the fundamental principles upon which the entire religion of Islam is built. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to be examined is (sidq) "صدق", which translates to "honesty" or "truthfulness." Honesty is a virtue that encompasses sincerity, integrity, and transparency in all aspects of life. It is the foundation upon which trust is built, both in our relationships with others and in our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran emphasizes the importance of honesty in numerous verses, such as in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), where Allah says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.

The second word in the Hadith is (yaqeen) "يقين", which means "certainty" or "conviction." Yaqeen refers to a deep and unwavering belief in the truth of Islam and the existence of Allah. It is a state of absolute certainty that is attained through knowledge, reflection, and spiritual growth. The Quran encourages believers to seek knowledge and develop certainty in their faith. In Surah Yunus (10:108), Allah says,

Say, 'O mankind, the truth has come to you from your Lord, so whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] his soul, and whoever goes astray only goes astray [in violation] against it. And I am not over you a manager.'

Now, let us reflect on the profound implications of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that honesty and certainty are the basis of religion. This means that without these two qualities, our faith and practice of Islam would be incomplete and lacking in substance.

Honesty is essential because it ensures that our actions and intentions align with the teachings of Islam. It requires us to be truthful in our speech, trustworthy in our dealings, and sincere in our worship. Honesty is not only a moral obligation but also a means of purifying our souls and attaining closeness to Allah. It fosters a sense of accountability and integrity in our daily lives, enabling us to navigate the challenges and temptations of this world with righteousness.

Certainty, on the other hand, is crucial because it strengthens our faith and protects us from doubts and uncertainties. It is through certainty that we find solace and conviction in our belief in Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). Certainty allows us to face the trials and tribulations of life with unwavering trust in Allah's plan and His promise of reward and justice. It empowers us to overcome the whispers of Shaytan and the distractions of this world, enabling us to remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.

The combination of honesty and certainty creates a strong and balanced foundation for our religion. When we are honest in our actions and have certainty in our beliefs, our faith becomes firm and unshakable. We become individuals who embody the principles of Islam, not only in our outward actions but also in our inner thoughts and intentions. Our honesty and certainty become a source of inspiration for others, inviting them to explore the beauty and truth of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of honesty and certainty as the basis of religion. These two qualities are intertwined and complement each other, guiding us towards a life of righteousness and spiritual growth. By embodying honesty in our actions and cultivating certainty in our beliefs, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah and fulfill the purpose of our existence as Muslims. May Allah grant us the ability to be honest and certain in our faith, and may He bless us with His guidance and mercy.