Hadith #1301

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights two important qualities of a believer. The first quality mentioned is being (حَريصٌ عَلَى الطَّاعاتِ) "eager in obedience", which signifies the enthusiasm and diligence with which a believer strives to fulfill their obligations and perform acts of worship. The second quality mentioned is refraining from what is forbidden (عَنِ ٱلْمَحَارِمِ عَفٌّ), which emphasizes the believer's commitment to avoiding sinful actions and behaviors.

These qualities are rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and the avoidance of what is forbidden. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187):

It has been made lawful for you to approach your wives during the nights of the fast. They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. Allah knew that you were being dishonest to yourselves. He has turned to you in mercy and pardoned you. So now you may approach them and seek what Allah has ordained for you. Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread. Then complete the fast until nightfall. And do not approach them while you are in retreat at the mosques. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His verses to the people that they may become righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of obedience to Allah's commandments, specifically in the context of fasting. It emphasizes the need to refrain from certain actions during the prescribed times of fasting. Similarly, the believer mentioned in the Hadith is eager in their obedience to Allah's commands and refrains from what is forbidden.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:157):

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the role of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in guiding the believers towards what is right and forbidding them from what is wrong. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to the Prophet's teachings and the avoidance of what is forbidden. The believer mentioned in the Hadith follows this example, being eager in their obedience to Allah and refraining from what is forbidden.

The consequences of embodying these qualities are profound. By being eager in obedience and refraining from what is forbidden, the believer strengthens their relationship with Allah and attains spiritual growth. They become more conscious of their actions and strive to align their behavior with the teachings of Islam. This leads to a greater sense of righteousness and fulfillment in their worship.

Furthermore, these qualities have a positive impact on the individual's character and interactions with others. Their eagerness in obedience inspires others and serves as a source of motivation and encouragement. Their commitment to refraining from what is forbidden sets a moral example and fosters a sense of integrity and righteousness within the community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of being proactive in our obedience to Allah and vigilant in avoiding what is forbidden. It encourages us to constantly strive for self-improvement and to be mindful of our actions. By embodying these qualities, we can strengthen our faith, enhance our character, and contribute to the betterment of our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be eager in our obedience and steadfast in refraining from what is forbidden. May He bless us with the guidance to embody the qualities of a true believer and to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.