Hadith #10923

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

The basis of piety is refraining from the forbidden [actions].

This wise utterance highlights the essence of taqwa (piety) and its foundation in abstaining from what is prohibited in Islam. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (الكَفُّ) "al-kaff", which means "refraining" or "abstaining." It signifies the act of consciously holding oneself back from engaging in actions that are forbidden in Islam. This word emphasizes the importance of self-control and discipline in the pursuit of piety.

To understand the significance of refraining from the forbidden, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:168),

O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse highlights the importance of consuming only what is permissible and refraining from what is forbidden. It serves as a reminder that our actions should align with the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-A'raf (7:157),

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the role of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in guiding the believers towards what is right and forbidding them from what is wrong. It further emphasizes the importance of abstaining from evil and following the path of righteousness.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that refraining from the forbidden is not merely a superficial act, but rather a fundamental aspect of piety. It requires a deep understanding of the teachings of Islam and a conscious effort to align our actions with the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By refraining from what is forbidden, we demonstrate our obedience to Allah and our commitment to living a righteous life.

The consequences of refraining from the forbidden are profound. It leads to the purification of the soul, the strengthening of our relationship with Allah, and the attainment of spiritual growth. By consciously abstaining from what is prohibited, we protect ourselves from the harmful consequences of sinful actions and pave the way for a life of piety and righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the importance of this foundation of piety. His words serve as a reminder to Muslims of all backgrounds that true piety lies in refraining from what is forbidden. It is through this conscious effort of self-restraint that we can strive towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and ultimately achieve success in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to refrain from the forbidden and strengthen our piety. May He guide us to live a life in accordance with His commandments and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble progeny. Ameen.