Hadith #9235

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مِنْ أحْسَنِ المَكارِمِ تَجَنُّبُ المَحارِمِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One of the best noble deeds is keeping away from the forbidden.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ahsan) "أحْسَنِ" means "best" or "most excellent." It signifies the highest level of goodness and righteousness. (al-makarim) "المَكارِمِ" refers to noble deeds or virtues that elevate a person's character and bring them closer to Allah. And (tajannub) "تَجَنُّبُ" means to avoid or stay away from something.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in 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 emphasizes the importance of avoiding forbidden acts, particularly in the realm of sexual misconduct. It highlights the gravity of such transgressions and the negative consequences they bring upon individuals and society.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.

This verse clearly instructs Muslims to stay away from intoxicants, gambling, and other practices that are deemed impure and are associated with the influence of Satan. By abstaining from these forbidden acts, one can attain success and purity of heart.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes the teachings of the Quran. It reminds us that one of the most excellent and virtuous actions we can undertake is to refrain from engaging in forbidden activities. By doing so, we demonstrate our obedience to Allah's commandments and strive to purify our souls.

Keeping away from the forbidden encompasses a wide range of actions, including refraining from lying, backbiting, cheating, stealing, and any other sinful behavior. It also extends to avoiding harmful substances, such as drugs and alcohol, and immoral actions, such as adultery and gambling. By consciously staying away from these prohibitions, we protect ourselves from the negative consequences that accompany them.

Moreover, the act of avoiding the forbidden has profound implications for our spiritual growth and development. It strengthens our willpower and self-discipline, enabling us to resist temptations and overcome our base desires. It cultivates a sense of mindfulness and consciousness in our actions, as we constantly evaluate whether our choices align with the teachings of Islam. By consistently practicing this noble virtue, we elevate our character and draw closer to Allah.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of keeping away from the forbidden as one of the best noble deeds. By abstaining from sinful actions and avoiding what Allah has prohibited, we demonstrate our commitment to righteousness and seek to purify our souls. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the significance of avoiding forbidden acts. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to uphold this noble virtue and protect us from falling into the traps of the forbidden.