Hadith #4023

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The pinnacle of religion is patience, certitude, and struggling against vain desires.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the important words in this Hadith. The word (سَنَامُ) "sanaam" refers to the peak or summit, indicating the highest point or ultimate goal. (دِينِ) "Deen" refers to religion, encompassing the entire system of beliefs, practices, and values that guide a person's life. (الصَّبْرُ) "Sabr" means patience, which involves enduring hardships and trials with steadfastness and resilience. (اليَقِينُ) "Yaqeen" means certitude, which is the unwavering belief and conviction in the truth of Allah's promises and the teachings of Islam. (مُجَاهَدَةُ الهَوَى) "Mujahadatul hawa" refers to struggling against vain desires, which entails exerting effort to resist and overcome one's base desires and inclinations.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find support for the teachings of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153),

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of patience in seeking Allah's assistance and guidance. It highlights that patience is not only a virtue but also a means to attain closeness to Allah.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15),

Indeed, 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 emphasizes the concept of certitude and struggling in the cause of Allah. It highlights the importance of unwavering faith and active participation in the pursuit of righteousness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that these qualities of patience, certitude, and struggling against vain desires are the pinnacle of religion. They are essential for a Muslim to reach the highest level of faith and attain closeness to Allah. Let us reflect on the significance of each of these qualities.

Patience is a virtue that enables us to remain steadfast in the face of trials and tribulations. It teaches us to trust in Allah's wisdom and to persevere in our worship and obedience to Him. Patience is not merely passive endurance but an active state of mind that allows us to maintain our composure and seek Allah's guidance during challenging times.

Certitude, or unwavering belief, is crucial in strengthening our faith. It requires us to have complete trust in the teachings of Islam and the promises of Allah. Certitude enables us to overcome doubts and uncertainties, allowing us to live a life of conviction and purpose. It is through certitude that we can find solace and tranquility in our relationship with Allah.

Struggling against vain desires is a constant battle that every Muslim must engage in. It involves resisting the temptations of the ego and striving to align our actions with the teachings of Islam. By struggling against our base desires, we purify our hearts and strengthen our connection with Allah. This struggle is a continuous process that requires self-discipline and self-control.

The consequences of embodying these qualities are profound. When we cultivate patience, certitude, and struggle against vain desires, we become individuals who are firmly rooted in faith and guided by the principles of Islam. Our actions and decisions are driven by a deep understanding of the purpose of our existence and a sincere desire to please Allah. We become beacons of light, inspiring others through our steadfastness and commitment to righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the pinnacle of religion lies in the qualities of patience, certitude, and struggling against vain desires. These qualities are essential for every Muslim to attain the highest level of faith and closeness to Allah. By embodying these virtues, we can navigate the challenges of life with resilience, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and become exemplary individuals who inspire others through our unwavering commitment to Islam. May Allah grant us the ability to embody these qualities and attain the pinnacle of religion.