Hadith #10935

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, "لاوَرَعَ كَتَجَنُّبِ الآثامِ۔" This Hadith can be translated as,

There is no piety like eschewing sins.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words and their implications.

The word (la wara'a) "لاوَرَعَ" refers to piety, righteousness, and the act of abstaining from sinful actions. It encompasses a deep sense of God-consciousness and a constant awareness of one's moral obligations. It is a state of being cautious and vigilant in avoiding anything that may lead to transgressions against Allah's commands.

The word (ka tajannubi) "كَتَجَنُّبِ" means "like avoiding" or "similar to abstaining." It emphasizes the significance of avoiding sins and highlights the importance of this act in attaining true piety.

To further understand the importance of eschewing sins, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:135),

And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.

This verse emphasizes the need for repentance and seeking forgiveness for our sins. It highlights the importance of recognizing our mistakes and actively striving to avoid repeating them.

In Surah Al-An'am (6:120), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 reminds us to not only avoid obvious sins but also to abstain from any actions that may lead to sin. It emphasizes the importance of being cautious and vigilant in our conduct, both in public and in private.

The consequences of not eschewing sins are severe. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:81), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

So woe to those who write the

scripture

with their own hands, then say,

This is from Allah,

in order to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn.

This verse highlights the grave consequences of indulging in deceitful practices and manipulating the teachings of Allah for personal gain. It serves as a reminder that those who do not eschew sins will face severe punishment.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize piety and righteousness in their lives. It emphasizes that true piety lies in actively avoiding sins and striving to lead a life that is pleasing to Allah. By eschewing sins, we demonstrate our commitment to following the path of righteousness and seeking nearness to Allah.

This Hadith also highlights the knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the Quran and his ability to convey profound truths in concise statements is a testament to his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom. Muslims should strive to follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) by constantly seeking knowledge, understanding the teachings of the Quran, and applying them in their daily lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of eschewing sins in our quest for piety. It urges us to be cautious and vigilant in our actions, striving to avoid anything that may lead us astray. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to righteousness and seek the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us all on the path of piety and grant us the strength to abstain from sins.