Hadith #11145

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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, "بِالتَّقْوى قُرِنَتِ العِصْمَةُ۔" This can be translated as,

It is with God-wariness that preservation from sin has been paired.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (taqwa) "تَقْوَى" is of utmost significance in this Hadith. Taqwa is often translated as "God-wariness" or "piety." It encompasses a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of Allah's presence, along with a sincere desire to please Him and avoid His displeasure. Taqwa is the foundation of righteousness and the key to attaining closeness to Allah.

The Hadith emphasizes that preservation from sin is intrinsically linked to taqwa. This means that when one possesses taqwa, they are protected from falling into sinful actions or behaviors. Taqwa acts as a shield, guarding the individual from the temptations and pitfalls of this worldly life.

The Quran supports this concept of taqwa and its role in preserving one from sin. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:197)

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

Here, Allah emphasizes that taqwa is the best provision for the journey of life. It is through taqwa that one can navigate the challenges and trials of this world while remaining steadfast on the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (49:6-7)

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful. And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.

These verses highlight the importance of taqwa in dealing with information and situations. Taqwa enables individuals to refrain from hasty judgments and actions based on incomplete or false information. It instills wisdom, discernment, and a sense of responsibility. By possessing taqwa, one is protected from harming others out of ignorance and from becoming regretful over their actions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that taqwa is not only a means of protection from sin but also a source of guidance and righteousness. It is through taqwa that we can navigate the complexities of life and make choices that are pleasing to Allah. Taqwa acts as a guiding light, illuminating the path of righteousness and leading us towards eternal success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the inseparable connection between taqwa and preservation from sin. Through taqwa, we are shielded from the harmful effects of sinful actions and guided towards righteousness. The Quranic verses further reinforce the importance of taqwa in various aspects of life. As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to cultivate and strengthen our taqwa, for it is through taqwa that we can attain the ultimate success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to embody taqwa in all aspects of our lives.