Hadith #10911

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لِيَصْدُقْ وَرَعُكَ، ويَشْتَدَّ تَحَرّيكَ، وتَخْلُصْ نِيَّتُكَ فِي الأمانَةِ وَاليَمينِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes three important aspects: piety, striving for the right, and sincerity in trust and vows.

Firstly, let us delve into the meaning of the word (sadaq) "صدق" which translates to "piety" in English. Piety refers to a deep sense of devotion and righteousness towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses sincere worship, adherence to religious obligations, and the constant pursuit of moral excellence. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages piety in the Quran, stating in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is piety. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

The second aspect highlighted in the Hadith is the importance of intense striving for the right, expressed by the word (taharrik) "تحريك". This word signifies a vigorous and relentless effort to uphold truth, justice, and righteousness. It implies actively seeking knowledge, enjoining good, and forbidding evil. The Quran emphasizes the significance of striving for the right in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8:

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.

Lastly, the Hadith emphasizes the need for sincerity in trust and vows, represented by the words (niyyah) "نية" and (amanah wal-yamin) "أمانة واليمين". Niyyah refers to the intention behind our actions, while amanah and yamin refer to trust and vows respectively. Sincerity in trust and vows entails fulfilling our responsibilities and promises with utmost honesty and integrity. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of sincerity in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 89:

Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to embody true piety, intense striving for the right, and sincerity in their actions. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

Practicing piety requires us to fulfill our religious obligations sincerely, engage in acts of worship with devotion, and constantly strive to improve our moral character. Striving for the right demands that we actively seek knowledge, stand up for justice, and work towards the betterment of society. Sincerity in trust and vows necessitates fulfilling our commitments honestly, without any ulterior motives or hidden agendas.

By adhering to the teachings of this Hadith, Muslims can cultivate a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive towards becoming righteous individuals who positively impact their communities. It reminds us to be mindful of our intentions, to constantly seek knowledge, and to uphold justice and integrity in all our dealings.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the teachings of this Hadith and strive towards true piety, intense striving for the right, and sincerity in our actions. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and bless us with His mercy and forgiveness. And Allah knows best.