Hadith #10931

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

وَرَعُ المُؤْمِنِ يَظْهَرُ في عَمَلِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The piety of a believer is manifested in his action.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (wara') "وَرَعُ" in this Hadith refers to piety, righteousness, and fear of Allah. It encompasses a deep sense of awareness and consciousness of Allah's presence, which leads to the avoidance of sinful acts and the performance of righteous deeds. This piety is not merely confined to one's thoughts or beliefs, but it is reflected in one's actions and behavior.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of righteous actions in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:177)

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that true righteousness is not limited to mere rituals or outward displays of religiosity. It encompasses belief in Allah and the unseen, as well as the fulfillment of obligations towards others, such as giving charity, fulfilling promises, and showing patience in times of difficulty. These actions are a manifestation of piety and a reflection of one's faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (Quran 49:13)

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 are not determined by one's lineage, wealth, or worldly status. Rather, it is the righteousness and piety of an individual that holds true value in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that piety is not a hidden or abstract concept. It is something that should be evident in our actions and behavior. A believer who possesses true piety will strive to perform acts of worship sincerely for the sake of Allah and will also fulfill their responsibilities towards others.

For example, a pious believer will not only pray but will also be honest in their dealings, kind to their family, and compassionate towards the less fortunate. They will strive to embody the values of Islam in every aspect of their life, whether it is in their personal relationships, professional endeavors, or societal interactions.

The consequences of manifesting piety in our actions are manifold. Firstly, it strengthens our relationship with Allah by demonstrating our devotion and obedience to Him. Secondly, it serves as a means of inviting others towards the path of righteousness. When people witness the positive impact of piety in our lives, they are more likely to be inspired and attracted to the beauty of Islam.

Moreover, manifesting piety in our actions helps to establish justice, harmony, and compassion in society. When individuals act righteously, they contribute to the betterment of their communities and create an environment of peace and tranquility. This is in line with the Quranic command to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true piety is not confined to mere words or beliefs. It is a quality that should be reflected in our actions and behavior. By embodying piety in our daily lives, we not only strengthen our relationship with Allah but also contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah grant us the ability to manifest piety in our actions and make us among the righteous.