Hadith #1229

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

الإيمانُ شِهابٌ لا يَخْبُو۔

This can be translated as,

Faith is a flame that cannot be extinguished.

Let us delve deeper into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (Iman) "إيمان" refers to faith or belief in Allah and His teachings. It encompasses not only the belief in the existence of Allah, but also trust, conviction, and submission to His will. It is a comprehensive concept that encompasses both belief in the heart and actions that reflect that belief.

The word (shihab) "شِهاب" means a flame or a torch. It symbolizes the light and guidance that faith brings into our lives. Just as a flame illuminates the darkness, faith illuminates our hearts and minds, guiding us towards righteousness and truth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully describes faith as a flame that cannot be extinguished. This means that true faith is resilient and unwavering, even in the face of adversity and challenges. It cannot be easily shaken or weakened by external influences or doubts. It remains steadfast, burning brightly within the hearts of believers.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152),

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse emphasizes the importance of faith and remembrance of Allah, as it is through faith that our hearts are illuminated and our connection with Allah is strengthened.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and believe in His Messenger; He will [then] give you a double portion of His mercy and make for you a light by which you will walk and forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the correlation between faith and light, indicating that faith serves as a guiding light in our lives, leading us towards Allah's mercy and forgiveness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound implications for us as Muslims. It reminds us that our faith should not be easily extinguished or weakened by the challenges and trials we face in life. Instead, we should nurture and protect our faith, allowing it to shine brightly and guide us through the darkness.

When we face difficulties, it is our faith that provides us with strength and resilience. It is our faith that reminds us of Allah's presence and His promise of support and guidance. Just as a flame illuminates its surroundings, our faith illuminates our path, enabling us to navigate through the trials and tribulations of life.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a reminder for us to continuously seek knowledge and understanding of our faith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his statement reflects his deep understanding of the nature of faith. As Muslims, we should strive to acquire knowledge and deepen our understanding of our faith, as this will strengthen our iman and enable us to keep the flame of faith burning brightly within us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that faith is a flame that cannot be extinguished. It is a resilient and unwavering force that guides us through the darkness of life. By nurturing and protecting our faith, seeking knowledge, and relying on Allah's guidance, we can ensure that the flame of faith continues to burn brightly within us, illuminating our path towards righteousness and truth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and steadfastness to uphold our faith and may He keep the flame of iman alive in our hearts.