Hadith #6775

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,

مَنِ انْفَرَدَ عَنِ النّاسِ صانَ دينَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who isolates himself from the people preserves his religion.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (infarada) "انفرد" in this Hadith refers to isolating oneself or detaching from others. It implies withdrawing from social interactions and distancing oneself from the community. The word (sana) "صان" means to preserve or protect, and (deenahu) "دينه" refers to one's religion or faith.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am, verse 160,

Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.

This verse highlights the importance of individual accountability on the Day of Judgement. Each person will be rewarded or punished based on their own actions and deeds.

In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 105, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, upon you is [responsibility for] yourselves. Those who have gone astray will not harm you when you have been guided. To Allah is your return all together; then He will inform you of what you used to do.

This verse emphasizes the individual responsibility of every Muslim. Each person is accountable for their own actions and choices, and they will not be held responsible for the actions of others.

Based on these Quranic verses, we can understand that the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is encouraging Muslims to prioritize their own religious well-being by focusing on their personal faith and actions. By isolating oneself from negative influences and distractions, one can better protect and preserve their religion.

However, it is important to note that this Hadith does not promote complete isolation from society. Islam encourages Muslims to actively engage with others, contribute positively to their communities, and fulfill their social responsibilities. The isolation mentioned in the Hadith refers to distancing oneself from harmful influences and negative environments that may lead to the erosion of one's faith.

For example, if a Muslim finds themselves in a community where there is widespread corruption, immorality, or deviation from the teachings of Islam, it is advisable for them to distance themselves from such negative influences. By doing so, they can protect their faith and avoid being swayed by the wrongdoings of others.

Furthermore, isolating oneself from the people can also be understood in the context of seeking solitude for spiritual growth and reflection. Just as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to retreat to the cave of Hira for contemplation and worship, Muslims are encouraged to find moments of seclusion to strengthen their connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and enhance their understanding of their faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of safeguarding our religion by being mindful of our surroundings and the company we keep. It reminds us that while we should actively engage with society and fulfill our social responsibilities, we must also prioritize our own spiritual well-being by distancing ourselves from negative influences and seeking moments of solitude for reflection and worship. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect our faith.