Hadith #9236

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Noble traits [and deeds] are not complete except with chastity and self-sacrifice.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of two fundamental qualities in the pursuit of virtuous actions: chastity (عَفَاف) and self-sacrifice (إيثار).

Chastity (عَفَاف) refers to the preservation of one's modesty, purity, and integrity in all aspects of life. It encompasses both physical and moral aspects, including refraining from any form of indecency, immorality, and unethical behavior. The concept of chastity is deeply rooted in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands believers to lower their gaze, guard their private parts, and maintain modesty in their interactions with others.

Allah says in the Quran (24:30-31),

Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women.

By adhering to the principle of chastity, Muslims are able to maintain their dignity, protect their honor, and uphold the sanctity of their relationships. It is through the practice of chastity that individuals are able to cultivate a sense of self-control, discipline, and righteousness, which are essential for the completion of noble traits and deeds.

The second quality highlighted in the Hadith is self-sacrifice (إيثار). Self-sacrifice refers to the act of putting others before oneself, prioritizing their needs and well-being over personal desires and interests. It involves acts of kindness, generosity, and selflessness towards others, regardless of their social status, religion, or ethnicity. Self-sacrifice is a fundamental principle in Islam, as it reflects the spirit of compassion, empathy, and solidarity that should be ingrained in the hearts of all Muslims.

The Quran provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the importance of self-sacrifice. Allah says in the Quran (59:9),

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah) during the early days of Islam. Despite their own limited resources, the Ansar prioritized the needs of the Muhajirun and shared their wealth and provisions with them. This act of self-sacrifice demonstrated their commitment to the principles of brotherhood, unity, and compassion in Islam.

In light of this Hadith, we understand that noble traits and deeds are not complete without the presence of chastity and self-sacrifice. Chastity ensures that our actions are pure, righteous, and free from any form of immorality or indecency. It safeguards our integrity and preserves the sanctity of our relationships. On the other hand, self-sacrifice enables us to transcend our own desires and interests, allowing us to prioritize the well-being and happiness of others. It fosters a sense of empathy, compassion, and generosity within us, leading to virtuous actions that benefit society as a whole.

By embodying these qualities, Muslims can strive towards the perfection of their character and the completion of their noble traits and deeds. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to uphold chastity and practice self-sacrifice in all aspects of our lives.