Hadith #11458

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Certitude is the cornerstone of religion.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of having unwavering faith and conviction in the principles of Islam. Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word "yaqeen" in Arabic refers to certitude or absolute certainty. It is the state of having complete conviction and firm belief in the truth of something. In the context of this Hadith, "yaqeen" refers to the certainty and unwavering faith in the principles and teachings of Islam. It is the foundation upon which our religion stands.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of certitude in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah says,

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 highlights the significance of unwavering faith and certainty in the path of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143), Allah commands the believers to have firm faith and certitude in the religion of Islam. He says,

And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you. And We did not make the qiblah which you used to face except that We might make evident who would follow the Messenger from who would turn back on his heels. And indeed, it is difficult except for those whom Allah has guided. And never would Allah have caused you to lose your faith. Indeed Allah is, to the people, Kind and Merciful.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the pivotal role that certitude plays in our religious journey. It is through certitude that we are able to overcome doubts and challenges, and remain steadfast in our faith. Certitude acts as a guiding light, leading us towards the truth and enabling us to fulfill our religious obligations with sincerity and devotion.

When we have certitude in the existence and oneness of Allah, we are motivated to worship Him wholeheartedly, seeking His pleasure and guidance. This certitude also strengthens our belief in the Prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ) and the infallibility of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were chosen by Allah to guide and lead the Muslim Ummah.

Moreover, certitude empowers us to face the challenges and trials of life with patience and resilience. It gives us the strength to resist temptations and adhere to the teachings of Islam, even in the face of adversity. Certitude also enables us to make informed decisions based on the principles and values of our religion, rather than being swayed by societal pressures or personal desires.

On the other hand, lacking certitude can lead to confusion, doubt, and a weakened commitment to our faith. It can make us susceptible to the influence of false ideologies and misguided beliefs. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to cultivate and strengthen their certitude through seeking knowledge, reflecting on the Quran, and connecting with Allah through prayer and supplication.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of certitude as the cornerstone of religion. It highlights the importance of having unwavering faith and conviction in the principles and teachings of Islam. Certitude acts as a guiding light, motivating us to fulfill our religious obligations, face challenges with resilience, and make informed decisions based on the values of our faith. May Allah grant us all the strength and guidance to strengthen our certitude and remain steadfast in our religion.