Hadith #10877

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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, "أحْسَنُ شَيْء اَلْوَرَعُ۔" which translates to

The best [and most virtuous] thing is piety.

In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of piety as the pinnacle of goodness and righteousness.

The word (warāʿ) "وَرَعُ" in this Hadith refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah. It encompasses a deep sense of awareness and consciousness of Allah's presence, which leads to the avoidance of sins and the performance of righteous deeds. Piety is not merely limited to external acts of worship, but it also encompasses the purification of one's heart and intentions.

The importance of piety is emphasized in numerous verses of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse highlights that the ultimate provision for the journey of life is not material possessions, but rather, it is the quality of piety that one possesses.

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

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. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, rather than in wealth, lineage, or worldly status.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the paramount importance of piety in their lives. Piety is not only a means of attaining success in the Hereafter, but it also has profound effects on one's character, relationships, and overall well-being in this world.

When one possesses piety, they are motivated to constantly strive towards pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in every aspect of their life. This motivation leads to the avoidance of sinful actions and the performance of righteous deeds. Piety acts as a shield that protects a person from falling into the traps of temptation and immorality.

Moreover, piety instills a sense of accountability and consciousness in an individual's actions. When one is mindful of Allah's presence and aware of His watchfulness, they are more likely to make choices that align with the teachings of Islam. This consciousness serves as a guiding light, preventing Muslims from engaging in dishonesty, injustice, and harmful behavior.

The consequences of practicing piety are far-reaching. It not only brings about personal spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but it also has a positive impact on society as a whole. When individuals strive for piety, they contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious community. The virtues of honesty, compassion, and fairness become the norm, leading to a society that is built upon the principles of Islam.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, Muslims are reminded of the importance of constantly evaluating their level of piety and striving to improve it. It serves as a call to action, urging individuals to purify their hearts, rectify their intentions, and engage in acts of worship and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of piety as the best and most virtuous quality. Piety encompasses a deep sense of awareness and consciousness of Allah's presence, leading to the avoidance of sins and the performance of righteous deeds. It is emphasized in the Quran as the ultimate provision and the key to true nobility. Practicing piety has profound effects on an individual's character, relationships, and overall well-being. It serves as a guiding light, protecting one from falling into immorality and leading to personal and societal growth. Muslims are encouraged to constantly evaluate and improve their level of piety, striving to align their actions with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to attain true piety and righteousness.