Hadith #1354

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

The beauty of a believer is his piety.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of piety in the life of a Muslim. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (jamal) "جَمالُ" in Arabic refers to beauty, attractiveness, or excellence. It encompasses both physical and spiritual beauty. However, in this context, it primarily refers to the spiritual beauty of a believer. The word (mu'min) "مُؤمِنِ" means a believer, someone who has faith in Allah and follows His guidance. And the word (wara'uhu) "وَرَعُهُ" translates to piety, righteousness, or fear of Allah.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of piety and righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 among you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that true nobility and superiority lie not in one's lineage or wealth, but in their righteousness and piety. It is the inner beauty of the heart that truly matters in the sight of Allah. A believer who possesses piety is adorned with a beauty that surpasses any physical attractiveness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse emphasizes that the best provision for the journey of life is piety. It is through piety that a believer can navigate the challenges and trials of this world. It is the foundation upon which all other virtues are built. Just as a beautiful face may attract attention, it is the piety of a believer that draws the admiration and respect of others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of piety as the essence of a believer's beauty. Piety is not merely the observance of rituals, but a comprehensive way of life that encompasses sincerity, humility, honesty, and adherence to the teachings of Islam. It is the conscious effort to please Allah and avoid anything that displeases Him.

When a believer embodies piety, it reflects in their character, actions, and interactions with others. They become a source of inspiration and guidance for those around them. Their piety becomes a shining light that illuminates the path of righteousness for others to follow.

The consequences of embodying piety are far-reaching. It leads to a strong connection with Allah, a sense of inner peace, and a life filled with blessings. It also serves as a shield against sins and temptations, protecting the believer from moral and spiritual decay.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing our piety and striving to become better Muslims. We should constantly evaluate our actions, intentions, and character, seeking to improve ourselves and increase our devotion to Allah. By doing so, we can attain the true beauty that lies within a believer and fulfill our purpose in this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the beauty of a believer lies in their piety. It is through piety that a believer attains true nobility and excellence in the sight of Allah. Let us strive to cultivate this inner beauty and adorn ourselves with the virtues of righteousness, for it is through piety that we can truly shine as believers and inspire others to follow the path of Islam. May Allah grant us the ability to embody piety and beautify our souls.