Hadith #10930

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all 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) states,

The piety of a person frees him from every vileness.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of piety and its transformative power in purifying an individual from all forms of moral corruption and indecency.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ra'u) "رَعُ" refers to piety or righteousness, which encompasses a person's fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and their commitment to following His commandments. It is a state of being conscious of Allah's presence and striving to please Him in all aspects of life. The word (mar'i) "مَرْءِ" refers to an individual, highlighting that this Hadith is applicable to every person, regardless of their gender, age, or social status. The word (yunazzihu) "يُنَزِّهُهُ" means to purify or free from, indicating that piety has the power to cleanse a person from all forms of vileness and moral impurities. Lastly, the word (daniyyah) "دَنِيَّة" refers to vileness or indecency, encompassing all actions, thoughts, and behaviors that are contrary to the teachings of Islam.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that true nobility and superiority lie not in one's lineage, wealth, or worldly achievements, but in their righteousness and piety. It is the level of one's taqwa (piety) that determines their worth in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Thus, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with this Quranic principle, emphasizing that piety is the key to elevating oneself and distancing oneself from all forms of vileness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse emphasizes the transformative power of piety. When a person truly fears Allah and strives to uphold His commands, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grants them the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and He purifies them from their sins and wrongdoings. This purification is not limited to the forgiveness of sins but extends to freeing the individual from all forms of vileness and indecency.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that piety is not merely a superficial act of worship or adherence to rituals. It is a comprehensive state of being that permeates every aspect of our lives. When a person truly embodies piety, it becomes a guiding force that shapes their thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. It motivates them to strive for excellence in all aspects of life, seeking to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and avoiding anything that may lead to moral corruption or indecency.

The consequences of embodying piety are profound. It leads to a life of righteousness, integrity, and moral uprightness. It enables individuals to make decisions based on divine guidance rather than personal desires or societal pressures. Piety acts as a shield against vileness, protecting individuals from engaging in sinful behaviors and harmful actions. It instills a sense of accountability and consciousness of Allah's presence, guiding Muslims to constantly strive for self-improvement and moral excellence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the transformative power of piety in purifying individuals from all forms of vileness. It aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of righteousness and taqwa as the true measure of nobility and worth in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all strive to cultivate and strengthen our piety, seeking Allah's pleasure and distancing ourselves from all forms of moral corruption.