Hadith #6849

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "العِصْمَةُ نِعْمَةٌ۔" This can be translated as,

Preserving oneself from sin is a blessing.

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance and value of protecting oneself from committing sins.

To fully understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "العِصْمَةُ" refers to the state of being protected or immune from sin. It implies safeguarding oneself from engaging in actions that are prohibited by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). "نِعْمَةٌ" means a blessing or favor bestowed upon someone.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of seeking protection from sin and the blessings that come with it. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 highlights the role of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in guiding the believers towards what is right and prohibiting them from what is wrong. By following the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) and refraining from sinful actions, Muslims are granted success in this life and the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the believers regarding the pilgrimage, saying,

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

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes that the best provision for the journey of life is Taqwa, which can be understood as the consciousness of Allah's presence and the fear of displeasing Him. Taqwa acts as a shield against sin and serves as a means of attaining Allah's blessings and protection.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that preserving oneself from sin is not only a means of avoiding punishment but also a great blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we refrain from sinful actions, we protect our souls, maintain our spiritual well-being, and strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By avoiding sins, we cultivate a sense of self-discipline, self-control, and self-awareness. We become more conscious of our actions, thoughts, and intentions, striving to align them with the teachings of Islam. This leads to a purer heart, a clearer mind, and a more righteous character.

Moreover, preserving oneself from sin has far-reaching consequences. It not only benefits the individual but also positively impacts society as a whole. When Muslims refrain from sinful actions, they contribute to the establishment of a virtuous and harmonious community. Their actions inspire others to follow the path of righteousness, fostering an environment of piety, justice, and compassion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the immense value and significance of preserving oneself from sin. It is a blessing bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), enabling us to attain His pleasure, protect our souls, and contribute to the betterment of society. Let us strive to cultivate Taqwa and seek Allah's guidance in avoiding sinful actions, for in doing so, we will be blessed in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to preserve ourselves from sin and bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.