Hadith #1339

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

هُدِىَ مَنْ أخْلَصَ إيمانَهُ۔

which translates to

One who purifies his faith is guided.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of sincerity and purification in one's faith, and the subsequent guidance that is attained through this process.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (akhlasa) "أخْلَصَ" is derived from the root word (khalasa) "خَلَصَ", which means to purify or to make something pure and sincere. In the context of faith, it refers to purifying one's intentions and actions solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It entails removing any traces of hypocrisy, showing off, or seeking worldly gains in one's worship and devotion.

The word (imaanahu) "إيمانَهُ" refers to one's faith or belief. It encompasses the core principles of Islam, including belief in the Oneness of Allah, the Prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ), the Day of Judgment, and other fundamental tenets of the religion.

To further understand the significance of purifying one's faith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Bayyinah (98:5),

And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion.

This verse emphasizes the importance of sincerity in worship and the establishment of prayer and charity. It reinforces the idea that true faith is rooted in sincerity and devotion solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When one purifies their faith, they align their intentions and actions with the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His pleasure alone.

Another verse that supports the concept of purifying one's faith is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:162), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'

This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of sincere faith, encompassing all aspects of one's life. It emphasizes that every action, whether it be prayer, sacrifice, or even life and death, should be dedicated solely to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By purifying our faith, we align ourselves with the true purpose of our existence and seek guidance from the One who created us.

When one purifies their faith, they are guided towards the path of righteousness and success. This guidance manifests in various ways, such as increased knowledge and understanding of the Quran and Sunnah, a heightened sense of spirituality, and a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It also leads to the acquisition of wisdom, moral virtues, and a deeper understanding of the purpose of life.

Moreover, purifying one's faith has profound consequences on an individual's character and behavior. It instills humility, sincerity, and integrity in their actions, making them more conscious of their responsibilities towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and their fellow human beings. It motivates them to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives and to fulfill their obligations as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of purifying our faith and the guidance that is attained through this process. By aligning our intentions and actions solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we are able to attain a deeper understanding of our religion, strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and lead a life guided by the principles of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to purify our faith and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.