Hadith #10895

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالوَرَعِ يَتَزَكَّى المُؤْمِنُ۔" This can be translated as,

It is through piety that a believer is purified.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (warāʿ) "وَرَعِ" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah. It is the state of being conscious of one's actions and constantly striving to adhere to the teachings of Islam. (yatazakkā) "يَتَزَكَّى" means to purify oneself, to cleanse one's soul from impurities, and to elevate one's spiritual state.

To understand the significance of piety in the purification of a believer, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes that the true measure of nobility and superiority in the sight of Allah is righteousness and piety. It is not one's lineage, wealth, or worldly status that matters, but rather the state of one's heart and actions. A believer who strives to be pious and righteous is the one who attains true purification and honor in the eyes of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the believers regarding the pilgrimage to the Kaaba, saying,

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

This verse highlights the importance of piety as the best provision for the journey of life. It is through piety that a believer can navigate the challenges and trials of this world, seeking the pleasure of Allah and attaining purification of the soul.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that true purification comes from within, through the cultivation of piety. Piety is not merely a superficial display of religious rituals, but a deep-rooted consciousness and awareness of Allah's presence in every aspect of our lives. It is through piety that a believer becomes purified from the impurities of sins, negative traits, and worldly attachments.

When a believer embraces piety, they become more mindful of their actions, words, and intentions. They strive to fulfill their obligations towards Allah and His creation, seeking His pleasure in all their affairs. This leads to a transformation of the heart, purifying it from arrogance, greed, envy, and other vices.

The consequences of piety are profound and far-reaching. It brings about a sense of inner peace, contentment, and tranquility. It strengthens the bond between the believer and Allah, enabling them to develop a deep connection and reliance on Him. Piety also inspires others, as the actions of a pious believer serve as a source of guidance and inspiration for those around them.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of constantly striving to improve our piety and seeking purification of our souls. It is through piety that we can attain true success and honor in this life and the hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate piety in our hearts and purify our souls.