Hadith #8280

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاوَرَعَ مَعَ عَىّ۔" This can be translated into English as,

There is no piety with deviation.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The term "لاوَرَعَ" refers to piety, righteousness, or the act of being cautious and mindful of one's actions in order to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses a deep sense of consciousness and fear of displeasing the Almighty. The word "مَعَ" means "with" or "alongside," indicating that piety should always be accompanied by something else. Finally, "عَىّ۔" can be translated as deviation, straying from the right path, or going astray.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of piety and warns against deviation. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights that true provision and success lie in piety, which is the foundation of a righteous life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness, not in worldly possessions or lineage. It is through piety that we can truly know and appreciate one another, as it transcends any superficial differences.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that piety alone is not sufficient. It must always be accompanied by steadfastness on the right path, without deviation. Piety without deviation means adhering to the teachings of Islam, following the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and avoiding any actions or beliefs that lead us astray.

Deviation can manifest in various forms, such as engaging in sinful acts, following false ideologies, or neglecting our religious obligations. It is important for Muslims to constantly evaluate their actions and beliefs, ensuring they align with the principles of piety and righteousness. This requires self-reflection, seeking knowledge, and surrounding ourselves with righteous company.

The consequences of deviating from the path of piety are grave. It can lead to spiritual emptiness, moral corruption, and distance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Deviation can also harm our relationships with others, as it may lead us to engage in unjust behavior or treat others with disrespect. Ultimately, it hinders our journey towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a steadfast commitment to piety and righteousness. It is not enough to merely claim piety; we must actively strive to avoid deviation and constantly seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we can lead a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and serves as a source of inspiration for others.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to uphold piety without deviation, and may He bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.