Hadith #10166

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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, "النَّزاهَةُ عَيْنُ الظَّرْفِ" which translates to

Keeping away from sin is the essence of astuteness.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of maintaining purity and righteousness in our actions and behavior.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (nazahah) "نَزَاهَة" refers to purity, integrity, and being free from any impurity or wrongdoing. It signifies a state of being morally upright and untainted by sin. The word (‘ayn) "عَيْنُ" means the essence or core of something, while (adh-dharf) "الظَّرْفِ" refers to astuteness or wisdom.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of righteousness and purity in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is righteousness.

This verse highlights that the most essential provision for our journey in this world is righteousness, which aligns with the concept of (nazahah) "نَزَاهَة" mentioned in the Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah states,

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.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness, which resonates with the idea of (an-nazahah) "النَّزاهَةُ" mentioned in the Hadith.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims. By emphasizing the importance of keeping away from sin, he highlights the significance of maintaining purity in our actions, intentions, and character. This purity is not limited to external acts of worship but encompasses all aspects of our lives.

When we strive to keep away from sin, we are actively purifying our hearts and souls. This purification leads to increased awareness of Allah's presence in our lives and a stronger connection with Him. It enables us to make conscious choices that align with His commandments and avoid actions that displease Him.

The essence of astuteness lies in recognizing the consequences of our actions and making wise decisions. When we refrain from sin, we are demonstrating our astuteness by understanding the negative repercussions that sinful behavior can have on our spiritual well-being and our relationships with others. By avoiding sin, we protect ourselves from the harmful consequences that can arise from engaging in forbidden acts.

Moreover, the concept of (nazahah) "نَزَاهَة" also extends to our interactions with others. It encompasses honesty, integrity, and fairness in our dealings with fellow Muslims and society at large. When we uphold these values, we contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their actions and strive for purity and righteousness. It encourages us to reflect on our choices and seek forgiveness for any sins we may have committed. By doing so, we can purify our hearts, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and attain true astuteness in our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that keeping away from sin is the essence of astuteness. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and righteousness in our actions, intentions, and character. By refraining from sin, we purify our hearts, protect ourselves from negative consequences, and contribute to the establishment of a just society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold this noble principle in our lives.