Hadith #5108

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

He who does not wear the gown of good has not disrobed from evil.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the importance of actively engaging in righteous deeds and embodying goodness in our lives. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

The word (tatjalbab) "تَتَجَلْبَبِ" in Arabic refers to the act of wearing or donning a garment. It signifies the action of adorning oneself with something, in this case, the (khayr) "خَيْرَ" or the gown of good. This gown represents the virtuous actions, intentions, and qualities that a person should possess.

On the other hand, the word (sharr) "شَّرِّ" refers to evil or wickedness. It encompasses all forms of negativity, immorality, and harmful actions that go against the teachings of Islam. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that one cannot truly disrobe from evil unless they actively engage in wearing the gown of good.

To support this thought-provoking Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that righteousness is not merely a superficial act or a show of piety. It is a comprehensive way of life that encompasses belief in Allah, fulfilling obligations, and engaging in acts of charity and kindness towards others. It is about embodying the values and teachings of Islam in every aspect of our lives.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 96, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.

This verse reminds us that the opportunity to do good and seek righteousness is limited to our time in this world. Once death approaches, there is no turning back to rectify our actions. Therefore, it is crucial for us to actively engage in wearing the gown of good and disrobing from evil while we have the chance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly strive for goodness and righteousness in their thoughts, words, and actions. It urges us to actively seek opportunities to do good, to help others, and to embody the teachings of Islam in every aspect of our lives.

By wearing the gown of good, we distance ourselves from evil and its consequences. It motivates us to be conscious of our intentions and actions, ensuring that they align with the values and principles of Islam. It also serves as a reminder that true righteousness is not a one-time act, but a continuous effort to improve ourselves and contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of actively engaging in righteous deeds and embodying goodness in our lives. It urges Muslims to wear the gown of good and disrobe from evil, reminding us that true righteousness requires consistent effort and dedication. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to actively engage in wearing the gown of good.