Hadith #4544

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A dignified person would never commit adultery.

Let us delve into the meanings and implications of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (zina) "زَنَى" in Arabic refers to the act of adultery or fornication. It encompasses any sexual relations outside the bonds of marriage. The term (ghayyur) "غَيُورٌ" can be translated as "dignified" or

possessing a sense of honor and jealousy.

It refers to a person who is protective of their chastity and is keen on preserving their moral values.

The importance of maintaining chastity and avoiding adultery is emphasized throughout the Quran. 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 engaging in any form of sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:5-7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the believers, saying,

And they who guard their private parts, except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed - But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.

These verses highlight the importance of maintaining chastity and only engaging in sexual relations within the confines of a lawful marriage.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder of the high moral standards that Muslims should strive to uphold. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining dignity and honor in one's actions and relationships. Adultery not only violates the sanctity of marriage but also leads to the erosion of trust, the breakdown of families, and the spread of immorality in society.

A dignified person, as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), is one who possesses self-respect and self-control. They are aware of the consequences of their actions and strive to protect their chastity and the sanctity of their relationships. This quality is exemplified by the Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran. When he was tempted by the wife of the Egyptian minister, he firmly refused her advances, saying in Surah Yusuf (12:23),

He said, 'I seek the refuge of Allah. Indeed, he is my master, who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed.'

The consequences of committing adultery are severe, both in this world and the hereafter. 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 highlights the punishment prescribed for those who engage in adultery, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.

Moreover, committing adultery leads to the erosion of trust and the destruction of families. It causes emotional pain and suffering for all parties involved, including the innocent children who may be affected by the consequences of such actions. Adultery also undermines the institution of marriage, which is a sacred bond established by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the well-being and stability of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of maintaining our dignity and honor by abstaining from adultery. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the sanctity of marriage and the importance of preserving chastity. By adhering to these principles, we protect ourselves, our families, and society as a whole from the harmful consequences of immoral behavior. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to uphold these values and lead a life of righteousness.