Hadith #10949

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May 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, "الْوَرَعُ ثَمَرَةُ الْعَفَافِ" which translates to

Piety is the fruit of chastity.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and modesty in all aspects of our lives. To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The term (al-wara') "الْوَرَعُ" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses a sense of mindfulness and caution in avoiding anything that may displease Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of being conscious of one's actions and striving to adhere to the teachings of Islam.

On the other hand, (al-'afaf) "الْعَفَافِ" signifies chastity, purity, and modesty. It encompasses not only physical modesty but also purity of intentions, thoughts, and actions. It is the virtue of restraining oneself from engaging in any immoral or indecent behavior.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:26),

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.

This verse highlights the importance of physical modesty and the significance of adorning ourselves with righteousness. It emphasizes that true beauty lies in piety and righteousness, rather than in outward appearances or material possessions. By practicing chastity and modesty, we not only fulfill the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs both men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling our desires and maintaining modesty in our interactions with others. By doing so, we protect ourselves from falling into sinful behavior and uphold the values of chastity and purity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Piety is the fruit of chastity,

serves as a reminder that practicing chastity and modesty is not merely a physical act, but a means to attain piety and righteousness. When we guard ourselves against immoral and indecent behavior, we create a barrier that shields us from sin and draws us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By cultivating a sense of modesty and purity, we develop a heightened awareness of our actions and intentions. We become more conscious of the consequences of our choices and strive to align our behavior with the teachings of Islam. This consciousness leads to a greater sense of piety and a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, practicing chastity and modesty has far-reaching effects on our personal and social lives. It fosters an environment of respect, dignity, and honor. It promotes healthy relationships based on mutual trust and purity of intentions. It also protects individuals from the harms and temptations of a society that often promotes immorality and indecency.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying ,

Piety is the fruit of chastity,

reminds us of the inseparable connection between purity and righteousness. By practicing chastity and modesty in all aspects of our lives, we not only fulfill the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also cultivate a sense of piety that brings us closer to Him. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to embody the virtues of chastity and piety in our daily lives.