Hadith #983

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التوحيد حيوة النفس", which translates to

Belief in the oneness of Allah enlivens the soul.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the significance of Tawhid, the fundamental belief in the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as the source of spiritual vitality and nourishment for the soul.

To better understand the depth and implications of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "Tawhid" refers to the concept of monotheism, affirming the absolute oneness and uniqueness of Allah. It encompasses the belief in His divine attributes, lordship, and worship. "Hayat" means life or vitality, and "nafs" refers to the soul or self.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For instance, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:162),

Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'

This verse highlights the centrality of Allah's oneness in all aspects of life, including worship, actions, and even the ultimate journey of death. By recognizing and internalizing the oneness of Allah, our souls are enlivened and find true purpose and fulfillment.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:79), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah.

This verse exemplifies the unwavering commitment of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to the oneness of Allah. His unyielding belief in Tawhid not only brought him spiritual enlightenment but also served as a source of strength and guidance for his soul.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that belief in the oneness of Allah is not merely an intellectual concept but a transformative force that enlivens the soul. When we internalize Tawhid, our entire perspective on life changes. We recognize that every action, every breath, and every moment is an opportunity to connect with the Divine. Our hearts become filled with gratitude, humility, and awe for the Creator of the universe.

Belief in the oneness of Allah has profound consequences for our daily lives. It shapes our moral compass, guiding us towards righteousness and justice. It instills in us a sense of accountability, knowing that our actions are witnessed by the One who is All-Knowing and All-Seeing. It also provides solace and comfort during times of hardship, as we trust in the wisdom and mercy of our Lord.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, highlights the importance of Tawhid as the foundation of spiritual growth and enlightenment. By recognizing and affirming the oneness of Allah, we awaken our souls from the slumber of ignorance and materialism. We become conscious of our purpose in this world and strive to align our lives with the divine will.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that belief in the oneness of Allah is not a mere theological concept, but a transformative force that enlivens our souls. By embracing Tawhid, we find true purpose, guidance, and fulfillment in every aspect of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to deepen our understanding of Tawhid and to live our lives in accordance with its principles.