Hadith #1263

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Acquiring faith is [through] adhering to the truth and being sincere with the creatures.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (faith) "إيمان" in this Hadith refers to a deep-rooted belief in the heart, encompassing both belief in Allah and His Messenger, as well as the acceptance and implementation of their teachings. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses all aspects of one's relationship with Allah and His creation.

The phrase (adhering to the truth) "لُزُومُ الحَقِّ" emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to the truth in all aspects of our lives. This entails seeking knowledge, understanding the teachings of Islam, and living in accordance with them. The Quran affirms the significance of adhering to the truth in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:101),

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.

This verse highlights the importance of unity and adherence to the truth as a means of strengthening our faith.

The phrase (being sincere with the creatures) "نُصْحُ الخَلْقِ" emphasizes the importance of treating others with sincerity, kindness, and compassion. It encompasses all aspects of our interactions with fellow human beings, animals, and the environment. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of good character and treating others with kindness. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of recognizing the inherent dignity of every human being and treating them with respect and kindness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the interconnectedness of faith and good character. Acquiring faith is not limited to mere belief; it requires embodying the teachings of Islam in our interactions with others. Faith is not just a personal matter; it is reflected in our treatment of the creatures of Allah. By being sincere and compassionate towards others, we demonstrate the true essence of our faith.

The consequences of adhering to the truth and being sincere with the creatures are manifold. Firstly, it strengthens our relationship with Allah. By adhering to the truth, we align ourselves with His divine guidance and seek His pleasure. Secondly, it fosters unity and harmony within the Muslim community. When we treat others with sincerity and kindness, we build strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, creating a supportive and loving environment. Thirdly, it positively impacts society at large. Our sincere and compassionate actions can inspire others and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of embodying the teachings of Islam in our daily lives. It is not enough to merely profess faith; we must strive to live by its principles. By adhering to the truth and being sincere with the creatures, we can attain a higher level of faith and contribute to the well-being of our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to acquire true faith and embody it in our interactions with others.