Hadith #7270

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

ما كَذَبَ عاقِلٌ، ولا زَنى مُؤْمِنٌ۔

This can be translated as,

An intelligent person does not lie and a believer does not fornicate.

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

Firstly, let us explore the key words in this Hadith. The word (a'qil) "عاقِلٌ" refers to an intelligent or rational person. It signifies someone who possesses wisdom, understanding, and the ability to discern right from wrong. The word (mu'min) "مُؤْمِنٌ" refers to a believer, someone who has faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and follows the teachings of Islam. It implies a person who is committed to righteousness and seeks to please Allah in all aspects of life.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and respect in the interactions between believers. It highlights that a true believer should not engage in lying or any form of deception. Lying not only goes against the principles of faith but also undermines the trust and unity within the Muslim community. An intelligent person, who possesses wisdom and understanding, recognizes the detrimental consequences of lying and therefore refrains from it.

Furthermore, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of chastity and the prohibition of fornication. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:32),

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

This verse clearly condemns any form of illicit sexual relations and emphasizes the need for believers to maintain their purity and honor.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes this message by stating that a believer does not engage in fornication. It serves as a reminder to Muslims about the importance of upholding moral values and abstaining from any actions that go against the teachings of Islam. A true believer, who has faith in Allah and follows the guidance of the Quran, understands the gravity of fornication and strives to protect themselves from such sins.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to uphold truthfulness and chastity in their lives. It highlights the importance of integrity and righteousness in the character of a believer. An intelligent person, who possesses wisdom and understanding, recognizes the detrimental consequences of lying and fornication. They understand that these actions not only harm their own souls but also have negative impacts on society as a whole.

By adhering to the teachings of Islam and embodying the qualities of truthfulness and chastity, Muslims can strive to become better individuals and contribute to the betterment of their communities. It is through the practice of these virtues that believers can attain spiritual growth and strengthen their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of truthfulness and chastity in the life of a believer. It emphasizes that an intelligent person does not lie and a believer does not fornicate. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and implementing them in our lives, we can strive to embody these virtues and attain spiritual excellence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to uphold these principles.