Hadith #6863

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "العِفَّةُ شيمَةُ الأكْياسِ" which translates to

Chastity is the trait of the sagacious.

In this thought-provoking Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of chastity and its connection to wisdom and intelligence.

The word (chastity) "عِفَّةُ" refers to the state of being pure, modest, and free from any form of immorality or indecency. It encompasses both physical and moral aspects, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity in one's thoughts, actions, and relationships. Chastity is a fundamental virtue in Islam, as it protects individuals from falling into sin and preserves the sanctity of the self and society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes chastity as the (trait) "شيمَةُ" of the (sagacious) "أكْياسِ". The term "أكْياسِ" refers to those who possess wisdom, intelligence, and sound judgment. It signifies individuals who are wise and discerning, capable of making righteous decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of immorality.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.

This verse highlights the importance of modesty and chastity in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has blessed humanity with clothing to cover their private parts, but true adornment lies in righteousness and purity. Chastity is not merely a physical act, but a reflection of one's inner state and moral character.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs both men and women to lower their gazes and guard their modesty. This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling one's desires and maintaining a sense of modesty in interactions with the opposite gender. Chastity is a means of safeguarding oneself from temptation and preserving the sanctity of relationships.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that chastity is not only a virtue but also a characteristic of the wise and intelligent. It requires strength of character, self-discipline, and a deep understanding of the consequences of immoral actions. The sagacious individuals recognize the detrimental effects of immorality on their spiritual well-being, relationships, and society as a whole.

By embodying the trait of chastity, one becomes a role model for others and contributes to the betterment of society. Chastity promotes trust, respect, and harmony in relationships, leading to healthier and more fulfilling interactions. It also cultivates a sense of self-worth and dignity, allowing individuals to focus on their spiritual growth and pursuit of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of chastity as a trait of the sagacious. It emphasizes the significance of maintaining purity in thoughts, actions, and relationships, and highlights the connection between chastity and wisdom. By adhering to the principles of chastity, we can protect ourselves from sin, preserve the sanctity of our relationships, and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody the trait of chastity in our lives.