Hadith #11129

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, "التقوى اجتناب" which translates to

God-wariness is eschewal [of the forbidden].

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encapsulates the essence of piety and righteousness in Islam.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "التقوى" refers to "God-wariness" or "piety." It encompasses a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), His commands, and His presence. It is a state of being constantly mindful of Allah's presence and striving to please Him in all aspects of life.

The second part of the Hadith, "اجتناب," means "eschewal" or "avoidance." It signifies the act of staying away from what is forbidden or prohibited in Islam. It involves refraining from sinful actions, thoughts, and behaviors, and actively seeking to distance oneself from anything that may displease Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The concept of God-wariness and eschewal is deeply rooted in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of piety and avoiding what is forbidden. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:278)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers

This verse highlights the connection between God-wariness and eschewal, urging believers to fear Allah and abandon the practice of usury.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:32)

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding any actions that lead to immoral behavior, highlighting the significance of eschewal in maintaining piety.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to cultivate God-wariness in their lives. It teaches us that true piety is not limited to performing acts of worship, but also involves actively avoiding what is forbidden. It is a comprehensive approach to righteousness that encompasses both the internal and external aspects of our lives.

By practicing eschewal, we protect ourselves from the harmful consequences of sinful actions. It helps us maintain a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a shield against the temptations of this world and safeguards our spiritual well-being.

Moreover, eschewal is not limited to avoiding major sins; it extends to abstaining from even the minor actions that may lead to sin. For example, refraining from engaging in idle gossip or backbiting not only prevents us from committing a sinful act but also cultivates a culture of respect, unity, and harmony within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true piety is not merely a superficial display of religious rituals, but a comprehensive approach to righteousness. It calls upon Muslims to be constantly mindful of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to actively avoid what is forbidden. By embodying the spirit of God-wariness and eschewal, we can strive towards a life of purity, righteousness, and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and seek His pleasure in all that we do.