Hadith #10926

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,

وَرَعُ الرَّجُلِ عَلى قَدْرِ دينِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The piety of a man is to the extent of his religiosity.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (wara') "وَرَعُ" in Arabic refers to piety, righteousness, and fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses a deep sense of awareness and consciousness of one's religious obligations. It is a state of being where one is constantly mindful of their actions, striving to adhere to the teachings of Islam and seeking to please Allah in every aspect of their life.

The word (rajul) "رَجُلِ" refers to a man, but it is important to note that this Hadith is applicable to both men and women. It emphasizes that piety is not limited to any gender, rather it is a quality that every Muslim should strive to possess.

The phrase (ala qadri deenihi) "عَلَى قَدْرِ دينِهِ" means

to the extent of his religiosity.

It highlights the idea that the level of piety a person attains is directly proportional to their commitment and dedication to their faith. It is a reminder that true piety is not measured by outward appearances or rituals alone, but by the depth of one's faith and their sincere efforts to live in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 among you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, regardless of one's gender, race, or social status. It is a clear indication that the measure of a person's worth is not based on worldly achievements or material possessions, but on their level of devotion to Allah and their adherence to His commands.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the importance of piety as the ultimate provision for the journey of life. It reminds us that while worldly possessions may provide temporary comfort, true success and contentment can only be attained through a deep-rooted fear of Allah and a commitment to living a righteous life.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that piety is not merely a superficial display of religious practices, but a state of the heart that permeates every aspect of our lives. It is a constant awareness of Allah's presence, a sincere desire to please Him, and a commitment to following His guidance.

The consequences of embodying this Hadith are profound. When a person's piety is in line with their religiosity, their actions become a reflection of their faith. They strive to be just, honest, and compassionate in their dealings with others. They are mindful of their responsibilities towards their families, communities, and society at large. Their words and actions are guided by the principles of Islam, and they become a source of inspiration and guidance for others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true piety is not measured by external appearances or rituals, but by the depth of our faith and our commitment to living a righteous life. It reminds us that our religiosity should be the driving force behind our actions, guiding us to be the best versions of ourselves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody true piety and may He bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.