Hadith #5358

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ يَتَرَدَّدْ يَزْدَدْ شَكّاً۔

This can be translated as,

One who falters increases his doubt.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom behind this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (taraddad) "تَرَدَّدْ" in this Hadith refers to hesitation or wavering in one's beliefs or actions. It signifies a lack of firmness and conviction. When a person wavers in their faith or decisions, they open the door for doubt to creep in and take hold of their hearts. Doubt, in this context, refers to uncertainty or skepticism about the truth.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the dangers of doubt by saying,

Indeed, the believers are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and then do not doubt but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and the detrimental effects of doubt. True believers are those who firmly believe in Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) without any hesitation. They do not allow doubt to weaken their resolve or hinder their dedication to the cause of Allah. Instead, they strive with their wealth and their lives, demonstrating their sincerity and commitment.

When a person falters in their faith or actions, doubt begins to seep in. Doubt can arise from various sources, such as external influences, personal struggles, or lack of knowledge. It can lead to confusion, indecisiveness, and a weakened connection with Allah. Doubt can also hinder one's ability to make sound judgments and choices, as it clouds the clarity of truth.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the consequences of doubt by stating,

How can you disbelieve in Allah when you were lifeless and He brought you to life; then He will cause you to die, then He will bring you [back] to life, and then to Him you will be returned.

This verse highlights the power and authority of Allah, who has the ability to create and resurrect life. It serves as a reminder that doubting the existence or greatness of Allah is illogical and baseless. Doubt can lead to disbelief, which distances us from the truth and the ultimate purpose of our existence. It is essential for Muslims to strengthen their faith and guard against doubt to maintain a strong connection with Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in their beliefs and actions. When we hesitate or waver, we open ourselves up to doubt, which can weaken our faith and hinder our spiritual growth. It is crucial to seek knowledge, strengthen our understanding of Islam, and surround ourselves with a supportive community to combat doubt.

By maintaining a firm and unwavering faith, we can overcome doubt and increase our certainty in the truth. This will enable us to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and clarity. Let us strive to emulate the unwavering faith of the believers mentioned in the Quran and seek refuge in Allah from doubt, so that we may attain true success in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome doubt and increase our certainty in His truth. May He bless us with unwavering faith and guide us on the straight path. Ameen.