Hadith #10827

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, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to seek the testimony of our hearts regarding our affections. The word (ask) "سَلُوا" emphasizes the importance of introspection and self-reflection. It urges us to delve deep into our hearts and examine our true intentions and feelings.

The term (hearts) "القُلُوبَ" refers to the innermost core of our being, where our true emotions and intentions reside. Our hearts are the witnesses to our actions and the source of our sincerity. They are a reflection of our true selves and cannot be deceived or bribed.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that our hearts bear witness to our affections, and they cannot be swayed by external influences or ulterior motives. They are pure and unbiased, and they will testify to the truth of our intentions. This Hadith reminds us to be mindful of our innermost thoughts and feelings, as they will ultimately be exposed and judged.

This profound teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quranic verses as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mulk, verse 13:

And whether you conceal your speech or reveal it, indeed, He is Knowing of the innermost thoughts.

This verse highlights the fact that Allah is fully aware of our innermost thoughts and intentions, even if we try to hide them. Our hearts, as the witnesses to our affections, cannot be concealed from Allah's knowledge.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 7, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance, and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes the importance of having true faith and sincerity in our hearts. It reminds us that Allah has made faith beloved to us and has instilled it in our hearts. Our hearts are the source of our faith and the place where it is deeply rooted.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is a reminder for us to constantly examine our intentions and affections. We should strive to purify our hearts and ensure that our actions are driven by sincerity and righteousness. Our hearts should be a reflection of our love for Allah, His Messenger (ﷺ), and the Ahl al-Bayt. They should be free from any ulterior motives or hidden agendas.

By seeking the testimony of our hearts, we can gauge the purity of our intentions and the sincerity of our actions. This self-reflection enables us to rectify any shortcomings and align ourselves with the teachings of Islam. It reminds us to be conscious of our innermost thoughts and feelings, as they have a direct impact on our relationship with Allah and our fellow Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to seek the testimony of their hearts regarding their affections. It emphasizes the importance of introspection and self-reflection, urging us to purify our intentions and ensure that our actions are driven by sincerity and righteousness. By doing so, we can strive to be true believers, guided by the light of Islam and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to purify our hearts and strengthen our faith.