Hadith #1269

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.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of sincerity and devotion in our actions and relationships. Let us delve into the profound meanings of this hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The first word in the hadith is (man) "مَنْ", which means "one who" or "whoever." This indicates that the message of the hadith is applicable to all Muslims, regardless of their social status, gender, or age. It is a universal call to perfect one's faith.

The next word is (a'ta) "أعْطى", which means "gives" or "donates." This refers to acts of charity and generosity, both in terms of wealth and kindness. The act of giving for the sake of Allah is highly encouraged in Islam, as it purifies the soul and strengthens the bond between the believer and their Creator.

The phrase (fi Allah) "فِي اللّهِ" is repeated four times in the hadith, emphasizing the centrality of Allah in all our actions and intentions. It means

for the sake of Allah

or

in the cause of Allah.

This phrase reminds us that our deeds should be solely for the pleasure of Allah, seeking His reward and His pleasure alone.

The next word is (mana'a) "مَنَعَ", which means "withholds" or "refrains." This refers to the act of abstaining from sinful actions or withholding something that may harm oneself or others. It highlights the importance of self-control and discipline in our lives, as well as the need to avoid anything that displeases Allah.

The following word is (ahabba) "أحَبَّ", which means "loves." This signifies the importance of cultivating love and affection for the sake of Allah. It encourages us to develop sincere bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community, based on mutual love and respect for the sake of Allah.

On the other hand, the word (abghada) "أبْغَضَ" means "hates" or "detests." This implies that we should harbor feelings of dislike or aversion towards anything that goes against the teachings of Islam. It encourages us to hate falsehood, injustice, and oppression, all for the sake of Allah.

The concluding phrase of the hadith is (faqad istakmala al-iman) "فَقَدِ اسْتكْملَ الإيمانَ", which means

has perfected [his] faith.

This highlights the significance of these actions and attitudes in attaining a complete and perfect faith. It indicates that true faith is not merely a matter of belief, but also encompasses righteous actions and sincere intentions.

To further understand the enlightening message of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177):

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse emphasizes the importance of sincere belief in Allah and the Hereafter, along with the act of giving wealth for the sake of Allah. It echoes the message of the hadith, highlighting the significance of selfless acts of charity and kindness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah says:

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse reminds us of the importance of treating others with justice and fairness, even if they hold different beliefs or do not pose a threat to us. It reinforces the idea of loving for the sake of Allah and acting with kindness and compassion towards all people.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the essence of true faith and the importance of sincerity in our actions and relationships. It calls upon us to give and withhold, love and hate, all for the sake of Allah. By doing so, we perfect our faith and align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran. May Allah grant us the ability to embody these qualities and strengthen our faith.