Hadith #10880

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the fundamental principle of piety, which is to abstain from committing sins and to stay away from what is forbidden. The word (warā') "وَرَعِ" in this Hadith refers to piety or righteousness, while (tajannub) "تَجَنُّبُ" means to avoid or keep away from, and (al-āthām) "الآثامِ" refers to sins. Similarly, (al-tanzuhu) "التَّنَزُّهُ" means to refrain or abstain, and (‘an al-ḥarām) "عَنِ الحَرامِ" refers to what is forbidden.

The importance of avoiding sins and refraining from the forbidden is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 168:

O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse highlights the importance of consuming what is lawful and pure, and not following the temptations of Satan. It reminds us to be cautious about our actions and to stay away from anything that may lead us towards sin or disobedience.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 157, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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 emphasizes the role of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in guiding the believers towards what is right and forbidding them from what is wrong. It highlights the importance of following his teachings and staying away from what is forbidden, as this is the path to success.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be conscious of their actions and to strive for piety. By avoiding sins and refraining from what is forbidden, we protect ourselves from the spiritual and moral harms that come with disobedience. It is through this self-discipline and adherence to what is right that we can attain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure.

Moreover, the root of piety, as mentioned in the Hadith, has far-reaching consequences in our lives. When we consciously avoid sins and forbidden acts, we develop a strong moral character and become a source of inspiration for others. Our actions become a reflection of our faith, and we become role models for those around us.

By embodying piety, we also protect ourselves from the negative consequences of sin. Sins not only damage our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but they also have detrimental effects on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They can lead to guilt, regret, and a sense of spiritual emptiness. By staying away from sins, we preserve our inner peace and maintain a clear conscience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize piety by avoiding sins and refraining from what is forbidden. This principle is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and staying away from what is wrong. By embodying piety, we not only protect ourselves from the harms of sin but also become a source of inspiration and guidance for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to uphold piety in our lives.