Hadith #10575

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of purifying one's soul from all forms of vileness and striving to perform noble deeds. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (Nazzih) "نَزِّهْ", which means to purify or cleanse. It implies the need to remove any impurities or vileness from our souls. This purification is not limited to external actions, but it encompasses the innermost thoughts, intentions, and desires. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Surah Al-Maidah, 5:6)

Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.

This verse highlights the divine intention behind purification. It is not meant to burden us, but rather to elevate our spiritual state and enable us to express gratitude to Allah for His blessings. By purifying our souls, we become more receptive to His guidance and closer to attaining His pleasure.

The second important word is (daniyyah) "دَنِيَّة", which refers to vileness or lowly attributes. It encompasses all forms of moral and spiritual degradation that distance us from Allah's mercy and righteousness. The Quran warns us against such vileness:

(Surah Al-Isra, 17:32)

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding immoral acts, which are considered vileness in the sight of Allah. By purifying ourselves from such vices, we protect our souls from the harmful consequences they bring and strive towards a higher moral standard.

The next phrase in the Hadith is (Ibdul fi al-makarimi juhdaka)

ابْذُلْ فِي المَكارِمِ جُهْدَكَ

which means to make an effort in performing noble deeds. This emphasizes the need to actively engage in virtuous actions and strive for excellence in all aspects of life. Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us in the Quran:

(Surah Al-Imran, 3:133)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of hastening towards forgiveness and striving for righteousness. By exerting our efforts in performing noble deeds, we not only purify our souls but also earn the pleasure of Allah and the reward of Paradise.

The Hadith further states that by purifying our souls and striving for noble qualities, we will become free from sins and achieve noble qualities. This implies that the purification of the soul and the performance of noble deeds go hand in hand. When we purify our souls, we become more conscious of our actions and strive to avoid sins. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) assures us in the Quran:

(Surah Hud, 11:114)

Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.

This verse emphasizes the transformative power of good deeds in eradicating the effects of sins. By consistently performing noble actions, we can overcome our shortcomings and develop noble qualities such as patience, kindness, and generosity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to purify their souls from vileness and actively engage in noble deeds. By doing so, we not only distance ourselves from sins but also cultivate noble qualities that bring us closer to Allah's pleasure. Let us strive to purify our souls and make a sincere effort in performing virtuous actions, seeking Allah's mercy and the attainment of noble qualities. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness.