Hadith #1028

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of promoting good and preventing evil. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Submit yourselves to good and enjoin it.

The word (Itamiroo) "إئتَمِرُوا" is derived from the root word (amr) "أمر", which means to command or order. It implies that Muslims should actively encourage and promote acts of goodness and righteousness. This includes not only performing good deeds ourselves but also inspiring others to do the same. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) affirms the significance of enjoining good in Surah Al-Imran, verse 104:

(Quran 3:104)

Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. And it is they who are successful.

This verse highlights the importance of forming a community that actively encourages and promotes good deeds. By enjoining good, Muslims can create an environment that fosters righteousness and leads to success in both this world and the Hereafter.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Keep away from evil and forbid it.

The word (Tanahaw) "تَناهَوا" is derived from the root word (nahy) "نهى", which means to prohibit or forbid. It implies that Muslims should not only refrain from engaging in evil deeds themselves but also actively discourage others from doing so. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of forbidding evil in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 157:

(Quran 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 highlights the role of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in enjoining good and forbidding evil. It also emphasizes the importance of following his example in promoting righteousness and deterring wrongdoing.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to actively participate in promoting good and preventing evil. By doing so, we contribute to the betterment of society and fulfill our duty as believers. This Hadith serves as a reminder that it is not enough to simply refrain from evil; we must actively strive to eradicate it from our lives and the lives of others.

Furthermore, this Hadith highlights the importance of accountability within the Muslim community. It is the responsibility of every individual to encourage and support one another in performing good deeds and avoiding sinful actions. By collectively enjoining good and forbidding evil, we create a society that is morally upright and pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of promoting good and preventing evil. It urges Muslims to actively engage in enjoining righteousness and deterring wrongdoing. By following this guidance, we can contribute to the betterment of society and fulfill our duty as believers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to submit ourselves to good, enjoin it, keep away from evil, and forbid it.