Hadith #4019

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,

سِياسَةُ الدّينِ بِحُسْنِ الوَرَع، واليَقينِ۔

This can be translated as,

The uprightness of religion is through virtuous piety and certitude.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (siyasa) "سِيَاسَةُ" refers to the governance or management of something. In this context, it signifies the way religion should be upheld and practiced. (ad-deen) "الدِّينِ" refers to religion, encompassing all aspects of faith, worship, and moral conduct. (bi-husn) "بِحُسْنِ" means with excellence or virtuousness, indicating that the governance of religion should be carried out with the utmost piety and righteousness. (al-wara') "الوَرَع" refers to the fear of Allah and the avoidance of anything that may lead to sin or disobedience. Lastly, (wa al-yaqeen) "وَاليَقينِ" means certitude or absolute conviction in the truth of Allah and His guidance.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the importance of piety in our religious affairs. It is through virtuous piety that we can uphold the true essence of our faith and ensure the governance of religion is carried out in the best possible manner.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 15:

Indeed, the believers are only the ones who believe 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 the significance of certitude in our religious practices. It is through unwavering conviction and absolute certainty in the truth of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) that we can effectively govern our religious affairs.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of virtuous piety and certitude in the governance of religion. By practicing piety, we are able to maintain a strong connection with Allah and avoid any actions that may lead us astray. This includes refraining from sins, fulfilling our obligations, and striving to attain the highest moral standards.

Certitude, on the other hand, enables us to have unwavering faith in the teachings of Islam. It allows us to navigate through the challenges and doubts that may arise, ensuring that we remain steadfast in our beliefs and actions. With certitude, we are able to make informed decisions based on the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ).

The consequences of upholding virtuous piety and certitude in the governance of religion are profound. It leads to a society that is guided by the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness. It fosters unity among Muslims, as they come together in the pursuit of a common goal - the pleasure of Allah. It also serves as a source of inspiration for others, as they witness the positive impact of piety and certitude in the lives of Muslims.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of continuously striving to improve our piety and strengthen our certitude. It is through these qualities that we can effectively govern our religious affairs and ensure that our actions are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to uphold virtuous piety and certitude in all aspects of our lives.