Hadith #10879

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أفْضَلُ مِنِ اكْتِسَابِ الْحَسَنَاتِ اِجْتِنَابُ السَّيِّئَاتِ

which translates to

Keeping away from evil deeds is better than earning [reward through] good deeds.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of abstaining from sinful actions as a means of spiritual growth and righteousness.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "اكْتِسَابِ الْحَسَنَاتِ" refers to the act of acquiring or earning good deeds. This encompasses all the righteous actions that a person performs, such as prayer, charity, fasting, and acts of kindness. On the other hand, "اِجْتِنَابُ السَّيِّئَاتِ" refers to the act of avoiding or refraining from evil deeds. This includes all actions that are prohibited in Islam, such as lying, backbiting, cheating, and any form of injustice.

To support the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we find numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the significance of abstaining from sinful acts. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of refraining from mockery, insults, and offensive behavior towards others. It reminds us that engaging in such negative actions tarnishes our faith and leads to wrongdoing. By avoiding these sinful behaviors, we not only protect our own souls but also contribute to a harmonious and respectful society.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:32), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse explicitly warns against engaging in illicit sexual relations and highlights the evil nature of such acts. By abstaining from these sinful behaviors, we protect our chastity, honor, and spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that avoiding evil deeds is not only a means of protection from sin but also a way to elevate our spiritual status. When we consciously refrain from engaging in sinful actions, we demonstrate our commitment to righteousness and our desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This act of self-restraint and self-discipline strengthens our faith and purifies our souls.

Moreover, by avoiding evil deeds, we create a positive ripple effect in our surroundings. Our actions influence those around us, and when others witness our commitment to righteousness, they may be inspired to follow suit. By embodying the teachings of Islam and avoiding sinful behaviors, we become beacons of guidance and sources of inspiration for others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that keeping away from evil deeds is superior to merely earning good deeds. It emphasizes the importance of self-restraint, self-discipline, and conscious avoidance of sinful actions. By refraining from evil, we protect our souls, strengthen our faith, and become a source of inspiration for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to avoid evil deeds and strive for righteousness.