Hadith #11174

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لاتَقْوى كَالْكَفِّ عَنِ المَحارِمِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no God-wariness like desisting from the forbidden.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (taqwa) "تَقْوَى" is derived from the root word "وَقَى" which means to protect or shield oneself. In Islamic terminology, taqwa refers to God-consciousness, piety, and a state of being aware of Allah's presence at all times. It encompasses both fear of Allah's punishment and hope for His mercy. Taqwa is the foundation of righteousness and is achieved through adherence to the commands of Allah and abstaining from His prohibitions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that there is no greater form of taqwa than refraining from the forbidden. This highlights the significance of avoiding actions that have been explicitly prohibited by Allah. It is not enough to merely perform acts of worship, but one must also abstain from engaging in sinful behavior. This Hadith reminds us that true taqwa lies in restraining ourselves from indulging in what is forbidden by Allah.

The Quran provides several verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent

This verse emphasizes the importance of taqwa and highlights the rewards and provisions that Allah bestows upon those who fear Him.

Another verse that complements this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hashr, where Allah says, (Quran 59:7)

And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty

This verse emphasizes the obedience to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his teachings, which include abstaining from what he has forbidden. By adhering to the prohibitions set by the Prophet (ﷺ), we demonstrate our taqwa and fulfill the command of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that true taqwa is not limited to performing acts of worship, but it also requires us to refrain from engaging in sinful behavior. It is a call to self-discipline and self-restraint, urging us to avoid the forbidden acts that have been explicitly prohibited by Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). By doing so, we strengthen our relationship with Allah, increase our God-consciousness, and strive to attain the highest level of taqwa.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of knowledge in attaining taqwa. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His statement emphasizes that true taqwa can only be achieved when one possesses the knowledge of what is permissible and what is forbidden. It is through understanding the teachings of Islam that one can discern between right and wrong, and make conscious choices to refrain from the forbidden.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true taqwa lies in abstaining from the forbidden. It is not enough to perform acts of worship, but we must also refrain from engaging in sinful behavior. This Hadith reminds us of the importance of self-discipline, self-restraint, and the pursuit of knowledge in our journey towards attaining taqwa. May Allah grant us the ability to practice true taqwa by desisting from the forbidden and may He guide us on the path of righteousness.