Hadith #1266

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

Mani irtaba bil-iman ashsharaka.

This can be translated as,

One who entertains doubt in his faith [in one God] becomes a polytheist.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of unwavering faith in the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the Quranic verses that emphasize the concept of monotheism and the consequences of doubting in one's faith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 163,

And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

This verse clearly establishes the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the absolute prohibition of associating partners with Him. The concept of Tawhid, the belief in the oneness of Allah, is the foundation of Islam. It is the core principle that distinguishes Islam from polytheism and other religions. Doubting this fundamental aspect of faith can lead one down a dangerous path towards polytheism.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further emphasizes the consequences of doubting in one's faith in Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 116,

Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly gone far astray.

This verse highlights the severity of associating partners with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the dire consequences it entails. Doubt in one's faith can lead to the erosion of belief in the oneness of Allah, which ultimately leads to polytheism. This is a grave sin that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not forgive unless sincere repentance is sought.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of having unwavering faith in the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Doubt can arise from various sources, such as external influences, philosophical arguments, or personal struggles. However, it is crucial for Muslims to seek knowledge, strengthen their faith, and address any doubts they may have through seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, making his statement even more significant. His deep understanding of the Quran and his close companionship with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) enabled him to provide profound insights into matters of faith. His words serve as a guiding light for Muslims, reminding them of the importance of preserving their faith and guarding against doubt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the danger of entertaining doubt in one's faith and the consequences it can have on a person's belief in the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder for Muslims to strengthen their faith, seek knowledge, and address any doubts they may have through the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from doubt and grant us steadfastness in our faith.