Hadith #1222

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Faith is the path with manifest inner secrets.

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

The word "faith" in this Hadith is translated from the Arabic term (Iman) "إيمان". It refers to a deep-rooted belief and conviction in the heart, encompassing both belief in the existence and oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and acceptance of His guidance through the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his successors. Iman is not merely a superficial acceptance, but a comprehensive belief that permeates every aspect of a Muslim's life.

The phrase "the path" in the Hadith is translated from the Arabic term (al-walāʾij) "الوَلائجِ". It refers to the various ways and means through which faith is practiced and manifested in our lives. It encompasses acts of worship, moral conduct, and adherence to the teachings of Islam. The path of faith is not a single, rigid road, but a vast network of interconnected routes that lead to the ultimate destination of nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The term "manifest inner secrets" in the Hadith is translated from the Arabic phrase (wāḍiḥu al-walāʾij) "واضِحُ الوَلائجِ". It signifies the hidden depths and profound aspects of faith that are not immediately apparent to the external observer. These inner secrets include the spiritual experiences, insights, and transformations that occur within the heart of a believer as they traverse the path of faith.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14),

The Bedouins say, 'We have believed.' Say, 'You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts.

This verse highlights the distinction between mere verbal profession of faith and the true, heartfelt conviction that is required for iman.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of those who possess true faith, saying,

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 emphasizes that faith is not limited to ritualistic practices, but encompasses virtuous actions and a sincere concern for the well-being of others.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the path of faith is not a mere external display, but a journey that involves the cultivation of the inner self. It is a path that requires constant self-reflection, self-purification, and self-improvement. It is through this inward transformation that the inner secrets of faith become manifest.

When a Muslim sincerely embraces faith, it becomes the guiding force in their life. It motivates them to seek knowledge, to perform acts of worship, to engage in acts of charity and kindness, and to strive for moral excellence. The path of faith is not always easy, as it requires perseverance, patience, and steadfastness in the face of challenges and temptations.

As Muslims, we should reflect upon the impactful message of this Hadith and strive to deepen our understanding and practice of faith. We should constantly seek to uncover the inner secrets of faith by nurturing our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), studying His guidance in the Quran, and emulating the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to tread the path of faith with sincerity and steadfastness, and may He bless us with the manifestation of the inner secrets of faith in our hearts and actions.