Hadith #11493

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كُنْ مُوْقِناً تَكُنْ قَويّاً۔

This can be translated as,

Have certitude and you will become strong.

In this wise utterance, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of having strong faith and unwavering belief in order to attain strength.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (muqinan) "مُوْقِناً" is derived from the root word (yaqeen) "يَقِين", which means certainty or conviction. It refers to a state of firm belief and unwavering faith. The word (qawiyyan) "قَويّاً" is derived from the root word (qawiyyah) "قَوِيَّة", which means strength or power. It signifies a state of being strong, both physically and spiritually.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of faith and certitude in the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (Quran 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 the connection between faith and action, and how true believers are those who have unwavering certainty in their hearts.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:286)

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear

This verse reminds us that Allah's wisdom and power are limitless, and having faith in His decree gives us the strength to face any challenges that come our way. It is through certitude that we find solace and resilience in times of difficulty.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate strong faith and unwavering belief in Allah. By having certitude, we gain inner strength and resilience to face the trials and tribulations of life. This strength is not limited to physical power, but also encompasses spiritual, emotional, and intellectual strength.

Having certitude enables us to overcome doubts, fears, and uncertainties that may hinder our progress. It empowers us to make righteous choices, stand up for justice, and persevere in the face of adversity. It gives us the courage to face challenges head-on, knowing that Allah is always with us and will never burden us beyond our capabilities.

For example, when Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was thrown into the fire by his people, his unwavering faith in Allah gave him the strength to endure the flames. Similarly, when Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) faced the mighty Pharaoh, his certitude in Allah's power enabled him to confront the oppressor fearlessly.

In our daily lives, having certitude can manifest in various ways. It can be seen in our prayers, where we have complete trust in Allah's mercy and forgiveness. It can be seen in our relationships, where we have faith in the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. It can be seen in our pursuit of knowledge, where we have unwavering belief in the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ).

The consequences of having certitude are profound. It brings about a sense of peace, contentment, and tranquility in our hearts. It strengthens our relationship with Allah and deepens our connection to Him. It allows us to navigate through the challenges of life with grace and resilience. It empowers us to be a source of support and inspiration for others, as our unwavering faith becomes a beacon of light in a world filled with uncertainty.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of having certitude in our faith. By cultivating unwavering belief in Allah, we attain strength in all aspects of our lives. This strength enables us to overcome challenges, make righteous choices, and persevere in the face of adversity. May Allah grant us the ability to have firm faith and certitude, and may it be a source of strength and guidance for all Muslims.