Hadith #4925

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the essence of Islam and the stages of faith. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins by stating that

Islam means submission [to the will of Allah].

Islam, derived from the Arabic root word "s-l-m," signifies surrendering oneself entirely to the commandments and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a comprehensive way of life that encompasses all aspects of an individual's existence. This concept of submission is beautifully portrayed in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 208, where Allah says,

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

The Hadith then explains that "submission means certitude." Certitude, or "yaqeen" in Arabic, refers to a firm and unwavering belief in the truth of Islam. It is not merely a blind acceptance, but a conviction that is based on knowledge, understanding, and reflection. The Quran emphasizes the importance of certitude in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 15, where Allah says,

Indeed, 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.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that "certitude means attestation." Attestation, or "tasdeeq" in Arabic, refers to affirming and acknowledging the truth of Islam. It involves recognizing the authenticity and validity of the teachings of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). The Quran encourages attestation in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 24, where Allah says,

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.

The Hadith then explains that "attestation means confirmation." Confirmation, or "iqraar" in Arabic, signifies affirming one's faith through words and actions. It involves expressing and manifesting one's belief in Islam through declarations and deeds. The Quran highlights the significance of confirmation in Surah Al-Imran, verse 8, where Allah says,

Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that "confirmation means execution." Execution, or "adaa" in Arabic, refers to the practical implementation of one's faith. It entails translating one's beliefs into actions and fulfilling the obligations and duties prescribed by Islam. The Quran emphasizes the importance of execution in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8, where Allah says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

Lastly, the Hadith concludes by stating that "execution means action." Action, or "amal" in Arabic, encompasses all righteous deeds performed in obedience to Allah's commandments. It includes acts of worship, acts of kindness and charity, and acts of seeking knowledge. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of action, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 277, where Allah says,

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

In summary, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a profound insight into the stages of faith and the progression of a believer's journey in Islam. It emphasizes the significance of submission, certitude, attestation, confirmation, execution, and action in the life of a Muslim. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and strengthen our faith through knowledge, understanding, and righteous deeds.