Hadith #6395

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 above mentioned Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights a profound aspect of Allah's mercy and guidance towards His servants. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that when Allah intends goodness for a person, He blesses them with the ability to control their desires and abstain from that which is forbidden.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (abd) "عَبْد" refers to a servant or a worshipper of Allah. (khayran) "خَيْراً" means goodness or what is beneficial. (a'affa) "أعَفَّ" means to make someone abstain or refrain from something. (batnah) "بَطْنَهُ" refers to the stomach or the abdomen. (at-ta'am) "الطّعامِ" means food. (farjah) "فَرْجَهُ" refers to the private parts. (al-haram) "الحَرامِ" refers to that which is forbidden or prohibited.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:157),

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the role of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in guiding the believers towards what is right and forbidding them from what is wrong. Similarly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith highlights that when Allah intends goodness for His servant, He blesses them with the ability to abstain from unlawful food and forbidden acts.

Another verse that supports the concept mentioned in this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:145), where Allah says,

Say, 'I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal or blood spilled out or the flesh of swine - for indeed, it is impure - or it be [that slaughtered in] disobedience, dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], then indeed, your Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse highlights the importance of consuming lawful food and abstaining from that which is forbidden. It further emphasizes that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful towards those who are compelled by necessity to consume what is normally prohibited.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be conscious of their actions and to strive for righteousness. It teaches us that when Allah intends goodness for His servant, He grants them the strength and self-control to refrain from indulging in unlawful desires and actions. This self-control and abstinence from the forbidden is a sign of Allah's favor and guidance.

By making their stomachs abstain from unlawful food, believers are able to purify their bodies and souls. This act of self-restraint helps in cultivating taqwa (God-consciousness) and strengthening one's relationship with Allah. Similarly, when believers are able to control their private parts and refrain from engaging in forbidden acts, they are preserving their chastity and upholding the moral values prescribed by Islam.

The motivation behind this divine intervention is to guide and protect the believers from the harmful consequences of indulging in forbidden actions. By abstaining from what is prohibited, Muslims are able to maintain their physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. This self-discipline also helps in developing a strong character and a sense of responsibility towards oneself and society.

The consequences of following the guidance provided in this Hadith are numerous. By abstaining from unlawful food and forbidden acts, Muslims are able to lead a life of piety and righteousness. This leads to a sense of inner peace and contentment, as they are in alignment with the divine will of Allah. It also strengthens their relationship with Allah and increases their chances of attaining His mercy and forgiveness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the divine intervention of Allah in the lives of His servants. When Allah intends goodness for a person, He blesses them with the ability to control their desires and abstain from that which is forbidden. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be conscious of their actions and to strive for righteousness. By following the guidance provided in this Hadith, believers are able to purify their bodies and souls, strengthen their relationship with Allah, and attain His mercy and forgiveness. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to abstain from that which is forbidden.