Hadith #9154

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Nobleness is nothing but refraining from [committing] sins (or misdeeds).

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encapsulates the essence of true nobility and righteousness. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word "karām" in Arabic refers to nobility, honor, and excellence. It encompasses the qualities that elevate an individual's character and status. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that true nobility lies in "tanazzuh," which means refraining or abstaining from sins or misdeeds. This implies that a person's true worth and honor are not determined by wealth, lineage, or worldly achievements, but rather by their ability to resist the temptations of sinful behavior.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of refraining from sins as a mark of nobility. For instance, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse clearly establishes that true nobility is not based on external factors such as race or social status, but rather on righteousness and piety. The one who refrains from sins and fulfills their obligations to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is considered noble in His sight. This aligns perfectly with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), as it emphasizes the importance of moral conduct and spiritual integrity.

Another verse that reinforces the concept of refraining from sins as a mark of nobility is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:157). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by saying,

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 noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who was known for his impeccable moral conduct and his unwavering commitment to righteousness. He enjoined what is right and forbade what is wrong, setting an example for all Muslims to follow. By adhering to the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) and refraining from sins, Muslims can attain true nobility and success in both this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and moral conduct. It encourages us to constantly strive for self-improvement and to resist the temptations of sinful behavior. By doing so, we not only elevate our own character but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true nobility lies in refraining from sins and misdeeds. It emphasizes the importance of moral conduct and spiritual integrity as the defining factors of a person's worth and honor. By following the guidance of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Muslims can strive towards attaining true nobility in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to embody this noble characteristic in our lives.