Hadith #1520

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كُلُّ بَريء صَحيحٌ۔" which translates to

Every innocent one is well.

This short but wise utterance holds deep meaning and wisdom, and it can be understood and analyzed in the light of the Quran.

The word (bari') "بريء" in this Hadith refers to someone who is innocent, pure, and free from any wrongdoing or sin. It signifies a person who is untainted by any moral or ethical transgressions. The word (sahih) "صَحِيحٌ" means well, healthy, or sound. It implies a state of being in which one is free from any harm or affliction.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of innocence and purity in several verses. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 49, Allah says, (Quran 4:49)

Have you not seen those who claim themselves to be pure? Rather, Allah purifies whom He wills, and injustice is not done to them, [even] as much as a thread inside a date seed.

This verse highlights that true purity and innocence come from Allah alone. It is not something that can be self-proclaimed or achieved through external rituals. Allah purifies those whom He wills, and He is the ultimate judge of one's innocence. Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that every innocent one is well, he is reminding us that those who are truly innocent and pure in the sight of Allah will be protected and blessed by Him.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of maintaining innocence and purity in our actions and intentions. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah says, (Quran 2:177)

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse teaches us that true righteousness lies in having faith in Allah and His teachings, and in performing good deeds with sincerity and selflessness. It is not merely about outward rituals or appearances. Those who strive to maintain their innocence and purity by fulfilling their obligations towards Allah and His creation are the ones who are truly righteous in His sight.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Every innocent one is well,

serves as a reminder for us to strive for purity and innocence in our thoughts, words, and actions. When we refrain from engaging in sinful behavior and seek forgiveness for our mistakes, we are aligning ourselves with the path of righteousness. By doing so, we can find solace and contentment in the knowledge that Allah will protect and bless those who are truly innocent.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of justice and fairness in our interactions with others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of Islamic principles, and he exemplified justice and fairness throughout his life. When he states that every innocent one is well, he is emphasizing the need for us to treat others with fairness and not to oppress or harm those who are innocent.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Every innocent one is well,

reminds us of the importance of maintaining innocence and purity in our actions and intentions. It teaches us that true righteousness lies in striving to please Allah and fulfilling our obligations towards Him and His creation. By doing so, we can find peace and blessings in this life and the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to maintain our innocence and purity.