Hadith #1654

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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) advises us to raise our garments, as it is purer, safer for our hearts, and more long-lasting. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran.

The word (thawbaka) "ثَوبَكَ" in the Hadith refers to one's garment or clothing. It symbolizes our external appearance and how we present ourselves to the world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to raise our garments, meaning that we should not let them be too long or drag on the ground. This is a metaphorical instruction, urging us to avoid excessiveness and extravagance in our outward appearance.

This advice aligns with the Quranic teachings of moderation and balance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of our lives, including our appearance.

By raising our garments, we maintain cleanliness and purity. When our clothes are too long, they are more likely to come into contact with impurities on the ground. By keeping our garments shorter, we protect ourselves from physical impurities and maintain a higher level of cleanliness. This concept is in line with the Quranic teachings of cleanliness and purity. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.

This verse emphasizes the importance of cleanliness in our physical acts of worship.

Furthermore, raising our garments is also safer for our hearts. Our hearts are the center of our spiritual and emotional well-being. When our garments are too long, they can become a source of distraction and temptation. They may get caught on objects or hinder our movements, causing us to stumble or lose focus. By raising our garments, we eliminate these potential distractions and create a safer environment for our hearts to remain focused on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This concept is reflected in the Quranic teachings of maintaining focus and avoiding distractions. In Surah Al-Hajj (22:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

That [has been commanded], and whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allah - it is best for him in the sight of his Lord.

By adhering to the guidance of raising our garments, we honor the sacred ordinances of Allah and create a safer space for our hearts.

Lastly, raising our garments is more long-lasting. When our clothes are too long, they are more prone to wear and tear. They may get dirty or damaged more easily, requiring frequent repairs or replacements. By keeping our garments shorter, we ensure their longevity and durability. This concept is in line with the Quranic teachings of preserving and maintaining resources. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

By raising our garments, we avoid wastefulness and contribute to the preservation of resources, which is an act of goodness in the sight of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to raise our garments for the sake of purity, safety, and longevity. By adhering to this guidance, we embody the Quranic principles of moderation, cleanliness, focus, and preservation. Let us strive to implement this advice in our lives, both in our physical appearance and in our broader actions, so that we may attain the blessings and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).