Hadith #10889

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, "الْوَرَعُ خَيْرُ قَرين۔" which translates to

Piety is the best companion.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of piety in one's life and its impact on our companionship.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (al-wara') "الْوَرَعُ" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of one's actions, ensuring they align with the teachings of Islam. (khayr) "خَيْرُ" means goodness, excellence, or the best. And (qarin) "قَرين" refers to a companion or someone who accompanies us.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. 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 the criterion of nobility and superiority in the sight of Allah is not based on lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but rather on righteousness and piety. The one who possesses taqwa (piety) is considered the best and most honorable in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights that the best provision for our journey in this world is taqwa. It is the shield that protects us from falling into sin and guides us towards righteousness. Just as provisions are essential for a physical journey, taqwa is crucial for our spiritual journey towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. He states that piety is the best companion. This means that when we strive to cultivate taqwa in our hearts and actions, it becomes our constant companion, guiding us towards goodness and protecting us from evil.

Piety serves as a moral compass, directing us towards the path of righteousness. It influences our choices, decisions, and interactions with others. When we are conscious of Allah's presence and fear His displeasure, we are more likely to refrain from sinful acts and strive to do what is pleasing to Him.

The companionship of piety has profound consequences in our lives. It shapes our character, purifies our intentions, and strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It instills humility, compassion, and justice in our dealings with others. It helps us resist temptations and overcome challenges, as we are constantly aware of our accountability to Allah.

Moreover, the companionship of piety motivates us to seek knowledge, as knowledge is a vital component of taqwa. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His deep understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) enabled him to embody piety in every aspect of his life.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of piety as the best companion in our journey of life. It reminds us that true success lies in cultivating taqwa and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam. By nurturing the companionship of piety, we can attain closeness to Allah, navigate through life's challenges, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to be steadfast in our piety and make it our constant companion.