Hadith #30

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) states,

Faith stands on four supports: on endurance, conviction, justice, and jihad.

Let us delve into the meanings of these important words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, (صَبْرِ) "sabr" refers to patience, perseverance, and steadfastness in the face of difficulties and trials. It is the ability to remain calm and composed, seeking Allah's help and guidance during challenging times. The Quran emphasizes the importance of sabr in numerous verses, such as Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), where Allah says,

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

Secondly, (الْيَقِينِ) "yaqeen" means certainty or firm belief. It is the unwavering conviction in the existence and oneness of Allah, His attributes, and the truthfulness of His messengers. Yaqeen is not mere belief, but a deep-rooted certainty that shapes one's actions and choices. Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15),

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.

Thirdly, (الْعَدْلِ) "adl" refers to justice and fairness. It entails treating others with equity, fulfilling one's obligations, and upholding the rights of others. Justice is a fundamental principle in Islam, and the Quran repeatedly emphasizes its importance. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah commands,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.

Lastly, (الْجَهَادُ) "jihad" refers to striving and exerting effort in the way of Allah. While it can include physical combat, it encompasses a broader meaning of striving to uphold righteousness, spread the message of Islam, and combat one's own inner struggles and desires. The Quran mentions jihad in various contexts, such as in Surah Al-Hajj (22:78), where Allah says,

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. Faith, as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights, is not a mere belief or proclamation. It is a comprehensive system that rests upon these four pillars.

Endurance (sabr) is essential because life is filled with trials and tribulations. It is through patience and perseverance that we can navigate through difficulties, strengthen our faith, and grow spiritually. The Quran assures us that Allah is with those who are patient, and their steadfastness will be rewarded.

Conviction (yaqeen) is crucial because it provides a solid foundation for our faith. It is through unwavering belief in Allah and His messengers that we can overcome doubts and challenges. Yaqeen enables us to live a life of purpose, guided by the principles of Islam.

Justice (adl) is a fundamental aspect of faith because it reflects the moral and ethical values of Islam. Treating others with fairness and equity is not only a duty but also a means to establish a just society. It is through upholding justice that we can contribute to the well-being of humanity and earn the pleasure of Allah.

Jihad (striving in the way of Allah) encompasses both external and internal struggles. It includes defending the truth, promoting justice, and resisting oppression. Additionally, it involves self-reflection, self-improvement, and the constant battle against our own ego and desires. Jihad is a continuous effort to align our actions with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's enlightening saying reminds us that faith is not stagnant; it requires constant nurturing and growth. By embodying these four supports of faith, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah, enhance our character, and contribute positively to society. May Allah grant us the ability to embody these qualities and strengthen our faith.