Hadith #172

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَا شَكَكْتُ فِي الْحَقِّ مُذْ أُرِيتُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

I have never entertained doubt about right since I was shown it.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (shakkat) "شَكَكْتُ" in the Hadith refers to doubt or uncertainty. It implies a lack of conviction or hesitation in accepting the truth. On the other hand, the word (al-haqq) "الْحَقِّ" signifies the truth, which is absolute and unchanging. It is the ultimate reality that aligns with the divine will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that he has never entertained doubt about the truth since he was shown it. This statement reflects the unwavering certainty and firm belief that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed. It highlights his profound knowledge and understanding of the truth, which was bestowed upon him by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of certainty and the rejection of doubt. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15),

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 highlights that true believers are those who have complete faith in Allah and His Messenger, without any doubt. They are steadfast in their conviction and are willing to sacrifice their wealth and lives for the sake of Allah. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this unwavering belief and commitment to the truth throughout his life.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

This verse highlights the responsibility of the Muslim community to be witnesses to the truth and to uphold justice. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) fulfilled this role impeccably, as he was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam. His unwavering certainty in the truth allowed him to be a shining example for all Muslims, both Shia and Sunni.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith reflects his unshakable conviction in the truth and his steadfastness in upholding it. His knowledge and understanding of the truth were not merely theoretical, but were deeply ingrained in his character and actions. This unwavering certainty enabled him to make wise decisions, stand up against injustice, and guide the Muslim community during his caliphate.

As Muslims, we should strive to emulate Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) unwavering certainty in the truth. We should seek knowledge, reflect upon the teachings of the Quran, and strengthen our faith so that we can overcome doubts and uncertainties. By doing so, we can become witnesses to the truth and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was a paragon of knowledge, wisdom, and unwavering conviction. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to hold fast to the truth and protect us from doubt.