Hadith #11205

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

مُتَّقِي الْمَعْصِيَةِ كَفاعِلِ البِرِّ۔

This can be translated as,

One who guards himself from sins is like the one who does good deeds.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (muttaqi) "مُتَّقِي" refers to someone who is conscious and cautious of their actions, particularly in relation to their obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It implies a state of righteousness and piety, where one actively strives to avoid sins and fulfill their obligations towards their Creator. This concept of taqwa is emphasized throughout the Quran, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (أَتْقَاكُمْ).

The term (al-ma'siyah) "الْمَعْصِيَةِ" refers to sins or acts of disobedience. It encompasses any action or behavior that goes against the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the teachings of Islam. By guarding oneself from sins, an individual demonstrates their commitment to righteousness and their desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares the one who guards themselves from sins to the one who does good deeds. This comparison highlights the significance of avoiding sins and the immense reward that comes with it. It emphasizes that refraining from sinful actions is not merely a passive act, but rather an active form of worship that is equivalent to performing good deeds.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support this concept. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling one's anger and forgiving others, which are acts of guarding oneself from sinful behavior. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further states in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63),

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the virtue of responding to ignorance and harshness with peace, which is another example of guarding oneself from sinful behavior.

The consequences of guarding oneself from sins are manifold. Firstly, it leads to the purification of the soul and the attainment of spiritual growth. By actively avoiding sins, one strengthens their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and increases their taqwa. This, in turn, brings about a sense of inner peace and contentment.

Secondly, guarding oneself from sins has a positive impact on society. When individuals refrain from sinful behavior, they contribute to the creation of a virtuous and harmonious community. Their actions inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of righteousness and goodness.

Lastly, the reward for guarding oneself from sins is immense. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises abundant blessings and rewards for those who strive to avoid sins. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:35), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O children of Adam, if there come to you messengers from among you relating to you My verses - then whoever fears Allah and reforms - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse assures that those who guard themselves from sins will be protected from fear and grief, both in this world and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of guarding oneself from sins and equates it with the performance of good deeds. It emphasizes the active role that individuals must play in their pursuit of righteousness and their commitment to pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By avoiding sinful behavior, individuals purify their souls, contribute to the betterment of society, and earn abundant rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all strive to be among those who guard themselves from sins and engage in righteous actions.