Hadith #4936

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,

يَحْتاجُ الإسْلامُ إلَى الإيمانِ۔

This can be translated as,

Islam is in need of faith.

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

The word (Islam) "إسْلامُ" refers to the submission and surrender to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses the five pillars of Islam, which are the testimony of faith, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage. Islam provides the framework for a Muslim's external actions and rituals.

On the other hand, the word (faith) "إيمانِ" refers to the internal belief and conviction in the heart. It is the deep-rooted trust and certainty in the existence and oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as well as in the prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Imamate of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Faith is the driving force behind a Muslim's actions and shapes their character and morality.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the interdependence of Islam and faith. It emphasizes that Islam alone is not sufficient; it needs the nourishment and strength of faith to thrive. Without faith, Islam becomes a mere shell, devoid of true spirituality and meaning.

The Quran supports this concept in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 clearly distinguishes between Islam and faith, indicating that true belief resides in the heart.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, 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 emphasizes the importance of faith in driving believers to action and sacrifice for the sake of Allah.

The consequences of understanding the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) are profound. It reminds us that Islam is not just a set of rituals to be mechanically performed, but a comprehensive way of life that requires a strong foundation of faith. Faith acts as the guiding light that illuminates our path and motivates us to fulfill our obligations as Muslims.

When faith is deeply rooted in our hearts, it transforms our actions into acts of worship and devotion. It instills sincerity, humility, and gratitude in our prayers, making them a means of spiritual connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It also inspires us to fulfill our duties towards our fellow human beings, as faith necessitates compassion, justice, and kindness.

Conversely, neglecting the development of faith can lead to a superficial practice of Islam. Without a strong belief system, our actions may become empty rituals lacking sincerity and purpose. This can result in a disconnect between our external actions and our inner state, leading to hypocrisy and spiritual stagnation.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of nurturing our faith alongside our practice of Islam. We should strive to deepen our understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and ensure that our actions are rooted in true faith.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate a strong and sincere faith that enriches our practice of Islam. May He guide us to understand the profound wisdom contained within the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and enable us to embody its teachings in our lives.