Hadith #11472

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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, "مَنْ أيْقَنَ أفْلَحَ۔" This can be translated as,

One who has certitude is successful.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ayqana) "أيْقَنَ" in this Hadith refers to having absolute certainty or firm conviction. It implies a level of faith that is unwavering and unshakable. It is not merely a belief based on conjecture or doubt, but rather a deep-rooted conviction that is based on knowledge and understanding.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of certainty in the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (49:15)

The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful

This verse highlights that true believers are those who have complete certainty in their faith and do not harbor any doubts.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah mentions the qualities of the believers and states, (2:3)

Those who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of belief in the unseen, which requires a level of certainty and conviction.

Imam Ali's statement highlights the profound connection between certitude and success. When one has absolute certainty in their beliefs, it strengthens their resolve and enables them to overcome challenges and obstacles. Certitude brings about a sense of clarity and purpose, allowing individuals to make informed decisions and take actions that align with their faith.

For example, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) demonstrated unwavering certitude in Allah's command when he was commanded to sacrifice his son. Despite the immense emotional turmoil he must have felt, his absolute certainty in Allah's wisdom and mercy enabled him to submit to the command without hesitation. As a result, Allah saved Prophet Ibrahim's son and blessed him with numerous descendants.

Similarly, when faced with the Battle of Badr, the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) displayed unwavering certitude in their faith. Despite being outnumbered and seemingly disadvantaged, their firm conviction in the truth of Islam propelled them to victory. Their certitude in Allah's promise and the righteousness of their cause led to their success on the battlefield.

In our own lives, having certitude in our faith can have profound effects. It gives us the strength to persevere in times of difficulty, to resist temptations, and to make choices that align with our values. Certitude empowers us to face challenges head-on, knowing that Allah is with us and that success lies in His hands.

However, it is important to note that certitude should not be confused with arrogance or closed-mindedness. It is not a blind faith that rejects critical thinking or intellectual exploration. Rather, it is a deep-rooted conviction that is based on knowledge, understanding, and reflection.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound importance of certitude in our faith. It is through unwavering conviction and absolute certainty that we can attain true success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the strength to cultivate and nurture such certitude in our hearts.