Hadith #11143

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذَا اتَّقَيْتَ فَاتَّقِ مَحارِمَ اللّهِ۔

This can be translated as,

When you [wish to] guard yourself, then be wary of the things that Allah has forbidden.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of taqwa, which can be understood as God-consciousness or guarding oneself against sin. The word (ittaqayt) "اتَّقَيْتَ" is derived from the root word (waqa) "وَقَى", which means to protect or guard. It implies a sense of vigilance and caution in avoiding anything that may displease Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To truly guard ourselves, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be wary of the (maharim Allah) "مَحارِمَ اللّهِ", which refers to the things that Allah has forbidden. These are the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that we must not transgress. They encompass various aspects of our lives, including our actions, thoughts, and desires.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj.

This verse highlights the importance of abstaining from prohibited actions during the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj. It emphasizes the need to guard oneself against disobedience and disputes, which are among the maharim of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 32, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse clearly prohibits engaging in any form of illicit sexual relations, emphasizing the importance of guarding oneself against such sins.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be conscious of their actions and to avoid anything that Allah has forbidden. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the consequences of sin and strive to attain spiritual purity.

Practicing taqwa and being mindful of the maharim of Allah has profound implications in our lives. It shapes our character, purifies our intentions, and strengthens our relationship with Allah. When we guard ourselves against the forbidden, we cultivate a sense of righteousness and develop a deep connection with our Creator.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. By being aware of the boundaries set by Allah, we avoid falling into sin and its detrimental effects on our spiritual well-being. It also reminds us of the importance of accountability, as we will be answerable for our actions on the Day of Judgment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, provides us with this timeless advice. His words serve as a guiding light for Muslims, reminding us to be vigilant in our pursuit of righteousness and to constantly evaluate our actions in light of the teachings of the Quran.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to embrace taqwa and be cautious of the things that Allah has forbidden. It emphasizes the importance of guarding ourselves against sin and striving for spiritual purity. By adhering to the maharim of Allah, we not only protect ourselves from the consequences of disobedience but also strengthen our relationship with our Creator. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice taqwa and lead a life that is pleasing to Him.