Hadith #9335

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance and profoundness of the declaration of faith,

There is no God but Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes it as the "azimatul iman," which can be translated as the "firmness of faith" or the "foundation of faith." This declaration is the fundamental belief of Islam, affirming the oneness and uniqueness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth and importance of this declaration, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 112:1-4)

Say, 'He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'

This Surah beautifully encapsulates the essence of the declaration of faith. It emphasizes the oneness of Allah, His eternal existence, and His incomparable nature. By affirming this belief, Muslims acknowledge the absolute sovereignty and uniqueness of Allah, thereby establishing a strong foundation for their faith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the declaration of faith as the "fatiha al-ihsan," which can be understood as the "opening of goodness" or the "gateway to righteousness." This highlights the transformative power of this declaration. When a person sincerely believes in the oneness of Allah and acts upon it, it becomes the starting point for all righteous actions. It serves as a catalyst for performing good deeds and seeking the pleasure of Allah.

In Surah Al-Ankabut (Chapter 29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes that those who strive in the path of Allah, starting with the declaration of faith, will be guided by Him. It is through this declaration that one establishes a strong connection with Allah and seeks His guidance in all aspects of life. It becomes a means of attaining righteousness and ultimately achieving success in this world and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also describes the declaration of faith as the "mardat ar-Rahman," which can be translated as the

pleasure of the Most Merciful.

This highlights the immense reward and blessings that come with sincerely believing in the oneness of Allah. By recognizing and affirming His oneness, Muslims strive to please Him and seek His mercy and forgiveness.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 5:9)

Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds [that] for them there is forgiveness and great reward.

This verse assures believers that by sincerely believing in Allah and performing righteous deeds, they will be granted forgiveness and a great reward. The declaration of faith, as the foundation of faith, serves as a means to attain the pleasure and mercy of Allah, leading to eternal bliss in the Hereafter.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the declaration of faith as the "madhahrat ash-Shaytan," which can be understood as the "repelling of Satan." This highlights the protective nature of this declaration. When one firmly believes in the oneness of Allah and recites this declaration, it acts as a shield against the whispers and temptations of Satan. It serves as a powerful tool to ward off evil and stay on the path of righteousness.

In Surah Al-A'raf (Chapter 7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 7:201)

Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.

This verse highlights that those who have the fear of Allah in their hearts, starting with the declaration of faith, are able to resist the influence of Satan. By constantly remembering Allah and seeking His guidance, they gain insight and clarity, enabling them to make righteous choices and avoid the traps of Shaytan.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the profound significance of the declaration of faith,

There is no God but Allah.

It serves as the firm foundation of faith, the gateway to righteousness, the means of attaining the pleasure of Allah, and a powerful tool to repel Satan. By sincerely believing in the oneness of Allah and acting upon it, Muslims establish a strong connection with their Creator, seek His guidance, and strive for righteousness in all aspects of life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to uphold this declaration with sincerity and steadfastness.