Hadith #4013

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace 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,

دَليلُ دينِ العَبْدِ وَرَعُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The sign of a servant's faith is his piety.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

First, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (dalil) "دَليلُ" refers to a sign or an indicator, while (deen) "دينِ" means faith or religion. (al-'abd) "العَبْدِ" signifies a servant or a worshipper, and (wara'uhu) "وَرَعُهُ" refers to his piety or righteousness.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 among you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that the true measure of nobility and superiority in the sight of Allah is not based on one's lineage, wealth, or social status, but rather on their level of righteousness and piety. It is the inner qualities of a person, such as their devotion to Allah and their adherence to His commands, that truly reflect their faith.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of piety as the best provision for the journey of life. Just as provisions are necessary for a physical journey, piety is essential for the spiritual journey towards Allah. It is through piety that a person safeguards their faith, remains steadfast in their worship, and seeks to please Allah in all aspects of their life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the inseparable connection between faith and piety. Faith is not merely a belief held in the heart, but it is manifested through righteous actions and a deep sense of God-consciousness. A person's piety is a clear sign of their faith, as it reflects their dedication to fulfilling the obligations and abstaining from the prohibitions set by Allah.

For example, a person who truly believes in the importance of prayer will not only perform the obligatory prayers but will also strive to perfect their prayers by observing the recommended acts and maintaining a state of humility and sincerity. Their piety will extend beyond the prayer mat, influencing their behavior, interactions, and dealings with others.

Furthermore, the Hadith encourages Muslims to continuously evaluate and improve their level of piety. It serves as a reminder that faith is not stagnant, but rather a dynamic and evolving aspect of a person's life. By constantly striving to increase their piety, a believer strengthens their relationship with Allah and ensures the sincerity of their faith.

The consequences of embodying the message of this Hadith are profound. A person who prioritizes piety in their life will experience a deep sense of inner peace, contentment, and tranquility. They will be guided by their faith in making righteous decisions and will be shielded from the temptations and distractions of this world.

Moreover, their piety will inspire others and serve as a source of guidance and inspiration for those around them. Through their actions, they will become a living example of the beauty and truth of Islam, attracting others towards the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the sign of a servant's faith is their piety. It emphasizes the importance of embodying righteousness and God-consciousness in all aspects of our lives. By seeking to increase our piety, we strengthen our faith, find peace in our hearts, and become a source of inspiration for others. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate true piety and strengthen our faith.