Hadith #3991

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الدّينُ نُورٌ، اَليَقينُ حُبُورٌ۔

This beautiful saying can be translated as,

Religion is light, certitude is joy.

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

The word (deen) "دين" in Arabic refers to religion, faith, or way of life. It encompasses the beliefs, practices, and values that guide a person's life. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes religion as (noor) "نور", which means light. Light is a symbol of guidance, illumination, and clarity. Just as light dispels darkness and enables us to see, religion illuminates our hearts and minds, providing us with guidance and direction in life.

The Quran supports this concept of religion as light in several verses. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:16), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Guide us to the straight path.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah, who is the ultimate source of light. Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:35), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Himself as

the Light of the heavens and the earth.

This highlights the divine nature of light and its connection to Allah's guidance.

Moving on to the second part of the Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that (al-yaqeen) "اليَقين", which means certitude or conviction, is (hoboor) "حُبُور", which can be translated as joy or contentment. Certitude refers to a deep and unwavering belief in the truth of Islam. It is a state of absolute conviction that brings inner peace and tranquility.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of certitude and its connection to joy. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 the unwavering faith of the believers and their commitment to the path of Allah, which brings them true joy and contentment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully connects the concepts of religion as light and certitude as joy. When we embrace the light of religion and follow its guidance, it leads us to certitude, which in turn brings us joy and contentment. This joy is not superficial or fleeting, but rather a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from aligning our lives with the truth and purpose of our existence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge, understanding, and practicing our religion with conviction. It encourages us to strive for a deep and unwavering faith that brings true joy and contentment to our hearts. By embracing the light of religion and nurturing our certitude, we can experience the true essence of Islam and live a life filled with purpose, peace, and happiness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the light of true religion and grant us certitude that brings joy and contentment. Ameen.