Hadith #10947

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الْوَرَعُ مِصْبَاحُ نَجَاحٍ" which translates to

Piety is the lamp of success.

This wise utterance emphasizes the importance of piety in attaining success in both this world and the hereafter.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the words used in this Hadith. (al-wara') "الْوَرَعُ" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses a sense of consciousness and awareness of one's actions, thoughts, and intentions, always striving to align them with the teachings of Islam. (misbah) "مِصْبَاحُ" means a lamp or a source of light, symbolizing guidance and enlightenment. And (najah) "نَجَاحٍ" denotes success, prosperity, and salvation.

To understand the significance of piety as the lamp of success, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:29),

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights the correlation between piety and success. When we fear Allah and strive to be pious, He bestows upon us the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, guiding us towards righteousness and removing our sins.

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

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 of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety. Success is not measured by worldly possessions or social status, but by the level of one's piety and devotion to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound impact of piety on our lives. When we prioritize piety and make it the guiding light of our actions, we are more likely to make choices that align with the teachings of Islam. This leads to a life of righteousness, contentment, and success in both this world and the hereafter.

Piety serves as a lamp that illuminates our path, helping us navigate through the challenges and temptations of life. It keeps us grounded, reminding us of our purpose and responsibilities as Muslims. When faced with difficult decisions, the lamp of piety guides us towards the path that pleases Allah and brings us closer to Him.

Moreover, the lamp of piety not only benefits us individually but also has a positive impact on society as a whole. When individuals strive for piety, they contribute to the betterment of their families, communities, and the wider Muslim ummah. Their actions inspire others to follow the path of righteousness, creating a ripple effect of goodness and success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the crucial role of piety as the lamp of success. By prioritizing piety and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam, we can attain success in this world and the hereafter. Let us strive to cultivate piety in our hearts, allowing it to guide us towards righteousness, contentment, and eternal success. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be truly pious and successful Muslims.