Hadith #4180

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of guarding oneself against sins and restraining from indulging in them. The word (tawaqqoo) "تَوَقُّوا" means to be cautious and vigilant, to be aware of the potential dangers of sins, and to take preventive measures to avoid falling into them. The word (al-ma'asiya) "المَعاصِيَ" refers to sins or acts of disobedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). And the phrase (wahbisoo anfusakum 'anha) "واحْبِسُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ عَنْها" means to restrain or hold back oneself from committing sins.

This exhortation by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of avoiding sins and striving for righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 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 highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) when one commits a sin, and not persisting in it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 199, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages us to turn away from ignorance and sinful behavior, and instead, focus on doing good and promoting righteousness. By restraining ourselves from sins, we not only protect ourselves from the harmful consequences of those sins but also contribute to the betterment of society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that those who give free rein to their sins are indeed wretched. When a person allows themselves to indulge in sinful behavior without any restraint, they become enslaved to their desires and distance themselves from the path of righteousness. This leads to a state of spiritual and moral degradation, causing harm to oneself and others.

To illustrate this, let us consider the example of a person who gives free rein to their anger. They may lash out at others, causing harm and discord in their relationships. On the other hand, a person who restrains their anger and seeks to control it, following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), will be able to maintain harmonious relationships and avoid causing harm to others.

The consequences of giving free rein to sins are not limited to this world alone. In the Hereafter, those who persist in sinful behavior without repentance and restraint will face the severe consequences of their actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 19:

These are two adversaries who have disputed over their Lord. But those who disbelieved will have cut out for them garments of fire. Poured upon their heads will be scalding water.

This verse serves as a reminder of the severe punishment that awaits those who persist in sinful behavior without seeking forgiveness and restraining themselves.

Reflecting on this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of self-discipline and self-restraint in our journey towards righteousness. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the existence of sins; we must actively guard ourselves against them and strive to avoid falling into their traps. By doing so, we protect our souls, strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to guard ourselves against sins and restrain ourselves from them. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and protect us from the consequences of giving free rein to our desires. Ameen.