Hadith #10167

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Remaining free from sin is the beginning of nobility.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (tanzuhu) "تَنَزُّهُ" in the Hadith refers to "remaining free" or "abstaining" from sin. It signifies the act of purifying oneself from any wrongdoing or transgression. This concept is beautifully emphasized in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to avoid sin and strive for righteousness.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah says,

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 sinful behavior, such as ridiculing, insulting, or using offensive language towards others. It emphasizes that engaging in such actions tarnishes one's character and goes against the principles of faith. By abstaining from such sins, one upholds their nobility and preserves their dignity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:120), Allah warns against following the footsteps of Satan, saying,

And leave what is apparent of sin and what is concealed thereof. Indeed, those who earn [blame for] sin will be recompensed for that which they used to commit.

This verse emphasizes the need to distance ourselves not only from obvious sins but also from the hidden aspects of wrongdoing. It reminds us that Allah is fully aware of our actions, both apparent and concealed. By avoiding sin in all its forms, we demonstrate our commitment to righteousness and elevate our status in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the significance of remaining free from sin as the foundation of nobility. When a person refrains from engaging in sinful acts, they demonstrate self-control, discipline, and a deep sense of moral responsibility. This noble behavior stems from a profound understanding of the consequences of sin and the desire to please Allah.

By choosing to remain free from sin, individuals cultivate a virtuous character and set an example for others to follow. Their actions reflect their commitment to righteousness and their dedication to upholding the teachings of Islam. This noble conduct not only earns the respect and admiration of others but also brings them closer to Allah.

Moreover, the act of abstaining from sin has far-reaching consequences. It leads to a life of peace, tranquility, and spiritual growth. When one avoids sin, they protect themselves from the negative consequences that accompany wrongdoing, such as guilt, remorse, and the erosion of their moral compass. Instead, they experience the joy and contentment that comes from living a life in accordance with Allah's guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that remaining free from sin is the beginning of nobility. By abstaining from sinful behavior, we uphold our dignity, preserve our character, and strive for righteousness. This noble conduct not only earns us the pleasure of Allah but also inspires others to follow in our footsteps. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to remain steadfast on the path of righteousness and protect us from the temptations of sin.