Hadith #4064

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,

هُدِىَ مَنْ تَجَلْبَبَ جِلْبابَ الدّينِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Guided is the one who puts on the garment of religion.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (tajalbab) "تَجَلْبَبَ" is derived from the root word (jalbaba) "جَلْبَبَ", which means to cover or envelop oneself. In this context, it refers to the act of adorning oneself with the (jilbab) "جِلْبَابَ", which is a garment that covers the body and is often associated with modesty and piety.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not only covering our physical bodies but also adorning ourselves with the garment of righteousness and piety.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse highlights that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, not in worldly possessions or status.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. By stating that the one who adorns themselves with the garment of religion is guided, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the significance of embracing and practicing the teachings of Islam. Just as the physical garment covers and protects our bodies, the spiritual garment of religion shields and safeguards our souls.

When we put on the garment of religion, we commit ourselves to fulfilling the obligations prescribed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and following the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. This includes performing the obligatory acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as well as abstaining from prohibited actions and adhering to the principles of morality and ethics.

The consequences of adorning ourselves with the garment of religion are manifold. Firstly, it leads to guidance and righteousness in our personal lives. By aligning our actions and intentions with the teachings of Islam, we attain spiritual clarity and find the path to eternal success. Secondly, it fosters unity and harmony within the Muslim community. When we all strive to embody the principles of Islam, we create an environment of love, compassion, and mutual respect.

Moreover, adorning ourselves with the garment of religion serves as a means of da'wah (invitation to Islam) to others. When people witness the positive impact of Islam in our lives, they are more likely to be attracted to the beauty and truth of this faith. Our actions and character become a living testimony to the guidance and blessings that come with embracing the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of adorning ourselves with the garment of religion. Just as clothing protects and adorns our physical bodies, the spiritual garment of Islam safeguards our souls and leads us to guidance and righteousness. By embracing the teachings of Islam and practicing its principles, we attain personal guidance, foster unity within the Muslim community, and become ambassadors of Islam to the world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to truly embody the teachings of Islam and be guided by the light of His guidance.