Hadith #3148

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ خَشَعَ قَلْبُهُ حَشَعَتْ جَوارِحُهُ۔

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali highlights the profound connection between the heart and the limbs. It conveys that when a person's heart is filled with humility and submission to Allah, their entire being, including their physical actions, will also reflect this state of submission.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words. The word (khasha'a) "خَشَعَ" means to humble oneself, to submit, and to have a sense of awe and reverence towards Allah. It is a state of deep humility and surrender before the Divine. The word (qalbuhu) "قَلْبُهُ" refers to the heart, which in Islamic spirituality is considered the center of one's consciousness, emotions, and spiritual connection with Allah.

The word (hasha'at) "حَشَعَتْ" comes from the root word (hasha'a) "حَشَعَ", which means to subdue, to bring under control, or to make something submissive. In this context, it refers to the limbs, which represent the physical actions and movements of a person. The phrase (jawarihuhu) "جَوارِحُهُ" refers to the limbs collectively.

Now, let us delve into the Quranic verses that support and shed light on the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:32),

That [has been commanded], and whoever honors the symbols of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.

This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring the symbols of Allah, which includes acts of worship and obedience. It indicates that true piety and submission to Allah stem from the heart.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:37), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.

This verse highlights that it is not the physical actions themselves that reach Allah, but rather the sincerity and piety that accompany those actions. It emphasizes the significance of the internal state of the heart.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when the heart is filled with humility, awe, and reverence for Allah, it will naturally manifest in the actions and behavior of an individual. When the heart submits to the will of Allah, the limbs, which are under the control of the heart, will also submit. This submission is not limited to physical acts of worship, but extends to all aspects of life.

For example, when a person's heart is filled with humility, they will perform their prayers with utmost devotion, ensuring that their physical movements are in complete harmony with their inner state. They will strive to fulfill their obligations towards Allah and His creation, treating others with kindness, compassion, and justice. Their speech will be characterized by truthfulness, wisdom, and restraint. In essence, their entire being will reflect the submission and humility of their heart.

Conversely, if the heart is devoid of humility and submission, the actions of a person may become empty rituals, lacking sincerity and true devotion. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly assess the state of their hearts and strive to cultivate a deep sense of humility and submission to Allah. It encourages us to align our inner state with our outward actions, ensuring that our worship and deeds are a reflection of our sincere devotion to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound connection between the heart and the limbs. It emphasizes that true submission to Allah begins in the heart and manifests in our actions. By nurturing a state of humility and reverence within our hearts, we can ensure that our physical actions are in complete submission to the will of Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to submit our hearts and limbs to Him, and may He bless us with true piety and sincerity in all our endeavors.