Hadith #1210

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,

Faith is a tree, its root is certitude, its branch is piety, its sunlight is modesty and its fruit is generosity.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the essence of faith and its various components.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this hadith. The word "iman" refers to faith, which is the belief in the unseen and the acceptance of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guidance. It is the foundation upon which a Muslim's actions and deeds are built. The word "shajarah" means tree, symbolizing the growth and development of faith.

The hadith then describes the different aspects of this faith tree. The root of the tree is "yaqeen," which means certitude or absolute conviction. Yaqeen is the unwavering belief in the existence and oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as well as in the truthfulness of His messengers and the teachings of Islam. It is the firm foundation upon which faith is established.

The branch of the tree is "taqwa," which can be translated as piety or God-consciousness. Taqwa is the constant awareness of Allah's presence and the fear of displeasing Him. It manifests in righteous actions, avoiding sins, and striving to please Allah in all aspects of life. The branch of taqwa extends and spreads, symbolizing the growth and expansion of faith.

The sunlight that nourishes and illuminates the tree is "hayaa," which means modesty or humility. Hayaa is the quality of being modest, bashful, and reserved in one's actions and speech. It encompasses a sense of shame and a desire to avoid anything that may displease Allah. Just as sunlight provides energy and life to a tree, hayaa provides spiritual nourishment and vitality to one's faith.

Finally, the fruit of the tree is "sakhaa," which means generosity or benevolence. Sakhaa represents the acts of kindness, charity, and selflessness that stem from a strong faith. Just as a tree bears fruit that benefits others, a person with true faith will bear the fruits of generosity, sharing their blessings with others and striving to make a positive impact on society.

To further understand the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Ibrahim (14:27),

Allah confirms those who believe with the firm word in the worldly life and in the Hereafter. And Allah sends astray the wrongdoers. And Allah does what He wills.

This verse emphasizes the importance of firm belief (yaqeen) as the foundation of faith, which aligns with the root of the faith tree mentioned in the hadith.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the significance of taqwa, which is the branch of the faith tree mentioned in the hadith. It reminds us that true provision and success in this life and the Hereafter come from God-consciousness and piety.

Regarding hayaa, the Quran encourages modesty and humility in various verses. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best.

This verse emphasizes the importance of modesty in both appearance and behavior, which aligns with the concept of hayaa mentioned in the hadith.

Lastly, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of generosity. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

This verse beautifully illustrates the concept of sakhaa, where acts of generosity bear abundant fruits and blessings from Allah.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a comprehensive understanding of faith as a tree with its various components. It emphasizes the importance of certitude, piety, modesty, and generosity in nurturing and strengthening one's faith. By reflecting on these qualities and striving to embody them, Muslims can cultivate a strong and flourishing faith that brings them closer to Allah and benefits society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these virtues and grow in faith.