Hadith #6914

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,

لاتُصِرَّ عَلى ما يُعَقِّبُ الإثْمَ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not persist in that [action] which is followed by sin.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of avoiding actions that lead to sin and transgression.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us first analyze the key words used. The word (tusirra) "تُصِرَّ" means to persist or insist on something. It implies a continuous engagement in an action, despite its negative consequences. The word (yu'aqqibu) "يُعَقِّبُ" means to be followed or accompanied by something. In this context, it refers to the outcome or consequence of an action, which is sin.

This Hadith emphasizes the need for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and their potential consequences. It urges us to refrain from persisting in actions that lead to sin, as they are detrimental to our spiritual well-being and relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has provided guidance in the Quran to support this teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

One of the Quranic verses that aligns with this Hadith is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:33), where Allah warns against following the footsteps of Satan:

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding actions that lead to sin and immorality. It emphasizes the need to abstain from engaging in any form of oppression or associating partners with Allah. By following the teachings of Allah and refraining from persisting in sinful actions, Muslims can protect themselves from the negative consequences of their deeds.

Another verse that complements this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), where Allah advises believers to not throw themselves into destruction:

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages Muslims to spend in the way of Allah and engage in acts of goodness. It also warns against throwing oneself into destruction, which can be understood as persisting in actions that lead to sin and transgression. By avoiding such destructive behaviors and instead focusing on acts of righteousness, Muslims can attain the love and pleasure of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect on their actions and their consequences. It urges us to be conscious of the choices we make and to avoid persisting in actions that lead to sin. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive towards spiritual growth and righteousness.

Let us take a moment to reflect on our own lives and assess if there are any actions we persist in that may lead to sin. May Allah guide us to make choices that are pleasing to Him and protect us from the negative consequences of our deeds. May we always seek the wisdom and guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our journey towards attaining closeness to Allah.