Hadith #3997

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully describes the essence of religion as a tree with two fundamental roots: submission (taslim) and contentment (rida). Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in the light of the Quran.

The word "taslim" refers to complete surrender and submission to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses obedience to His commands, acceptance of His decree, and humility before His greatness. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 208, where Allah says,

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of entering into peace (taslim) completely, indicating that true faith requires wholehearted submission to His guidance. Just as a tree's roots provide stability and nourishment, our submission to Allah's will forms the foundation of our faith, enabling us to grow and flourish spiritually.

The second root of the tree of religion is "rida," which translates to contentment or satisfaction. It refers to being pleased with whatever Allah decrees for us, whether it be blessings or trials. This concept is beautifully exemplified in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216, where Allah says,

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse reminds us that our limited understanding may lead us to dislike something that is ultimately beneficial for us, and vice versa. Therefore, true contentment lies in trusting Allah's wisdom and accepting His decree with gratitude and patience. Just as a tree's roots absorb nutrients from the soil, our contentment with Allah's decree nourishes our souls and strengthens our faith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the interconnectedness of submission and contentment in the tree of religion. Without submission, our faith lacks the foundation it needs to grow, and without contentment, our faith remains vulnerable to doubts and dissatisfaction. Together, these roots provide stability, resilience, and spiritual growth.

When we embrace submission and contentment, we experience profound transformations in our lives. We become more patient in the face of adversity, more grateful for blessings, and more trusting of Allah's plan. Our hearts find solace in the knowledge that every trial and every blessing is a means of drawing closer to Allah and attaining His pleasure.

Moreover, this hadith serves as a reminder that religion is not merely a set of rituals or outward practices, but a comprehensive way of life that encompasses all aspects of our existence. It teaches us that true faith is rooted in the depths of our hearts and manifests in our actions, attitudes, and interactions with others.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the essence of religion as a tree with roots of submission and contentment. Through submission, we surrender ourselves to the will of Allah, finding peace and guidance in His commands. Through contentment, we embrace His decree with gratitude and trust, finding solace in His wisdom. May we strive to cultivate these roots within ourselves, so that our faith may grow strong and bear the fruits of righteousness.