Hadith #10927

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

كُنْ وَرِعاً تَكُنْ زَكِيّاً۔

which translates to

Be pious and you will become pure.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of piety in attaining purity.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (wara') "ورع" refers to piety, righteousness, and fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses a deep sense of consciousness and mindfulness of one's actions, thoughts, and intentions. (zakiyyan) "زكيّاً" means pure, clean, and free from impurities. It signifies a state of spiritual cleanliness and moral purity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 among you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that true nobility and superiority in the sight of Allah lies in righteousness and piety. It is not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly achievements. Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be pious, he is reminding us of the ultimate criterion for excellence in the eyes of our Creator.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands the believers to observe piety during the pilgrimage, saying,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is piety. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes that piety is not only essential in our daily lives but also during acts of worship. It serves as a reminder that true provision and success come from being conscious of Allah's commands and seeking His pleasure.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims. By cultivating piety in our hearts and actions, we purify ourselves from spiritual impurities and elevate our status in the sight of Allah. Piety acts as a shield against sins, temptations, and immoral behavior, allowing us to maintain a pure and virtuous character.

When we strive for piety, we become more aware of our intentions and actions. We become cautious of the consequences of our choices and strive to align ourselves with the teachings of Islam. This consciousness leads to a transformation of our inner selves, purifying our hearts and minds from negative traits such as envy, greed, and arrogance.

Moreover, the pursuit of piety has far-reaching consequences in our lives. It impacts our relationships with others, our interactions with society, and our overall character development. A pious individual is more likely to exhibit kindness, compassion, and justice in their dealings with others. They become a source of inspiration and guidance for those around them, spreading goodness and righteousness in their communities.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to embody piety in our daily lives. We should constantly seek to improve ourselves, purify our intentions, and align our actions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can attain the true purity and nobility that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) desires for us.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be pious and pure, and may He bless us with His guidance and mercy.