Hadith #1258

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 describes two types of faith. The first type is described as

thabitun mustaqirrun fi al-qulub

which means a faith that is firmly fixed in the hearts. This type of faith is unwavering, steadfast, and deeply rooted in the core of a believer's being. It is a faith that remains constant and unshaken, regardless of the circumstances or challenges that one may face.

The second type of faith is described as

awariya bayna al-qulub wal-sudur

which means a faith that shifts between the hearts and breasts. This type of faith is unstable, fluctuating, and lacks firmness. It is a faith that is easily influenced by external factors, such as doubts, desires, and temptations. It is a faith that is not deeply rooted and can easily be swayed by the whims of the ego or the pressures of society.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of having a firm and unwavering faith in several verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah says,

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 the importance of having a faith that is free from doubt. The believers mentioned here are those who have complete trust in Allah and His Messenger, and they do not waver in their commitment to the path of righteousness. Their faith is firmly fixed in their hearts, and they are willing to sacrifice their wealth and even their lives for the sake of Allah.

Another verse that supports the concept of a firm faith is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:2), where Allah says,

The believers are only those whose hearts tremble with fear when Allah is mentioned, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.

This verse highlights the characteristic of true believers, whose hearts are filled with awe and reverence for Allah. Their faith is not superficial or fleeting, but rather it grows stronger and deeper when they hear the words of Allah. Their reliance is solely on Allah, and they place their trust in Him alone.

Now, let us reflect on the consequences and implications of having a faith that is firmly fixed in the hearts versus a faith that shifts between the hearts and breasts.

A faith that is firmly fixed in the hearts is a source of strength and stability for a believer. It provides a solid foundation upon which one can build their relationship with Allah. It gives them the courage and determination to face challenges and overcome obstacles. It enables them to remain steadfast in the face of trials and tribulations, knowing that their faith will guide them through.

On the other hand, a faith that shifts between the hearts and breasts is a cause for concern. It leaves a person vulnerable to doubts, temptations, and the influence of others. It prevents them from experiencing the true peace and tranquility that comes from having a deep and unwavering connection with Allah. It hinders their spiritual growth and prevents them from reaching their full potential as believers.

Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to strive towards developing a faith that is firmly fixed in their hearts. This can be achieved through seeking knowledge, reflecting on the Quran, and engaging in acts of worship and remembrance of Allah. By doing so, we can strengthen our faith and ensure that it remains steadfast, even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate a faith that is firmly fixed in their hearts. It warns against the dangers of a faith that is unstable and easily influenced. By seeking guidance from the Quran and emulating the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions, we can strive towards attaining a faith that is unwavering and deeply rooted in our hearts. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to develop such a faith.