Hadith #4545

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, "ما زَنى عَفيفٌ۔" which translates to

A chaste person does not commit adultery.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of maintaining chastity and refraining from engaging in any form of sexual misconduct.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The term (zina) "زَنى" refers to any illicit sexual act, including adultery and fornication. It encompasses engaging in sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage, which is strictly prohibited in Islam. The word (afif) "عَفيفٌ" refers to a person who is chaste, modest, and pure in their thoughts, actions, and behavior.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of chastity and the consequences of indulging in illicit sexual acts. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:32),

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

This verse clearly prohibits any form of sexual misconduct and highlights the severity of such actions.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of sexual intercourse - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment.

This verse demonstrates the gravity of engaging in illicit sexual acts and prescribes a severe punishment for those who commit such offenses.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of maintaining chastity and avoiding any form of sexual misconduct. It encourages individuals to uphold their moral values and protect themselves from the spiritual and societal consequences of engaging in illicit sexual acts.

By emphasizing the concept of chastity, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the need for individuals to control their desires and maintain purity in their thoughts and actions. This not only safeguards their own spiritual well-being but also contributes to the preservation of a healthy and harmonious society.

The consequences of indulging in illicit sexual acts are far-reaching. They can lead to the breakdown of families, the spread of diseases, emotional trauma, and the erosion of moral values within society. By adhering to the teachings of Islam and refraining from engaging in such acts, Muslims can protect themselves and their communities from these harmful consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful Hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to uphold the principles of chastity and to strive for purity in their thoughts, actions, and relationships. It encourages individuals to seek fulfillment within the boundaries of marriage and to approach intimate relationships with respect, dignity, and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

A chaste person does not commit adultery

emphasizes the importance of maintaining chastity and refraining from engaging in any form of sexual misconduct. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold their moral values, protect themselves from the consequences of illicit sexual acts, and contribute to the preservation of a virtuous and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of Islam and grant us the strength to uphold chastity in all aspects of our lives.