Hadith #2293

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous believers until the Day of Judgment.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best faith is [that which is accompanied by] righteousness.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of righteousness in one's faith. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications.

The word (faith) "إيمان" refers to the belief and conviction in the heart, encompassing both belief in Allah and His Messenger, as well as the acceptance of all the principles of Islam. It is the foundation upon which a Muslim's actions and deeds are built. The word (righteousness) "اَلإحْسان" refers to performing good deeds with excellence and sincerity, going beyond the mere fulfillment of obligations.

To further comprehend the significance of righteousness in faith, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (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.

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies in sincere belief in Allah and the principles of Islam, coupled with acts of kindness and charity towards others. It emphasizes the importance of selflessness and generosity in one's faith, as these actions reflect the essence of righteousness.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of righteousness is found in Surah Al-Hajj (22:37), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.

This verse emphasizes that acts of worship and sacrifice, in and of themselves, do not hold intrinsic value. Rather, it is the piety and righteousness behind these actions that are pleasing to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the superior nature of faith accompanied by righteousness. It implies that a Muslim's faith is incomplete without the manifestation of righteous actions. Merely professing faith without embodying it through good deeds is insufficient.

The consequences of embodying righteousness in one's faith are manifold. Firstly, it strengthens the individual's connection with Allah, as acts of righteousness are a means of drawing closer to Him. Secondly, it fosters a sense of compassion and empathy towards others, leading to a more harmonious society. Thirdly, it serves as a source of inspiration for others, encouraging them to follow the path of righteousness.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of aligning our actions with our beliefs. It urges us to strive for excellence in our deeds, going beyond the minimum requirements. By doing so, we not only strengthen our own faith but also contribute to the betterment of our communities and the world at large.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody righteousness in our faith and may He accept our efforts. May we continuously strive to improve ourselves and inspire others to do the same.