Hadith #10893

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 Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

بِالوَرَعِ يَكُونُ التَّنَزُّهُ مِنَ الدَّنايا۔

This can be translated as,

Through piety there is purification from lowly traits.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word (warā') "وَرَعِ" in this Hadith refers to piety or righteousness. It encompasses a deep sense of God-consciousness and a constant awareness of one's actions and intentions. It is through this piety that one can attain purification from the lowly traits and vices that tarnish the soul.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of piety in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:102)

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].

This verse highlights the significance of piety as a fundamental aspect of faith. It is through the fear and consciousness of Allah that one can attain purification and submission to His will.

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

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (atqākum).

Here, the word "atqākum" refers to the most pious and righteous individuals. This verse emphasizes that true nobility and honor lie in righteousness and piety, rather than worldly status or wealth.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. Through piety, one can attain purification from lowly traits. Piety acts as a shield that protects the individual from falling into sinful behavior and immoral actions. It serves as a guiding light, leading one towards righteousness and moral excellence.

When a person cultivates piety within themselves, they become aware of their actions and intentions. They strive to align their behavior with the teachings of Islam and the guidance of Allah. This self-awareness helps them to resist temptations and avoid engaging in harmful or sinful activities.

Moreover, piety leads to the purification of the soul. It allows one to detach themselves from the materialistic and worldly desires that often lead to lowly traits such as greed, envy, and arrogance. By focusing on the remembrance of Allah and seeking His pleasure, the individual's heart becomes purified, and they develop a sense of humility, contentment, and compassion towards others.

The consequences of practicing piety are profound. It not only purifies the individual but also has a positive impact on society as a whole. When Muslims embody piety, they become role models for others, inspiring them to strive for moral excellence and righteousness. This, in turn, leads to the establishment of a just and harmonious society based on the principles of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of piety in attaining purification from lowly traits. By cultivating piety within ourselves, we can protect our souls from the vices that tarnish our character. Through piety, we become conscious of our actions and intentions, striving to align them with the teachings of Islam. This leads to the purification of the soul and the development of noble qualities. May Allah guide us all on the path of piety and grant us the strength to purify ourselves from lowly traits.