Hadith #4040

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The basis of religious law is enjoining good, forbidding evil and upholding the boundaries [of Islamic law].

This beautiful saying highlights the fundamental principles that form the foundation of the Shariah, the divine law of Islam.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The first important term is (enjoining good) "الأمَرُ بِالمَعْروفِ", which refers to the obligation of Muslims to encourage and promote virtuous actions. This includes acts of worship, such as prayer and fasting, as well as acts of kindness and compassion towards others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of enjoining good in the Quran in Surah Al-Imran, verse 104, where He says,

Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong.

The second term is (forbidding evil) "النَّهيُ عَنِ المُنْكَرِ", which signifies the duty of Muslims to discourage and prevent sinful and immoral behavior. This includes actions such as lying, stealing, and engaging in harmful activities. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands us to forbid evil in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, where He says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

The third term is (upholding the boundaries) "إقامَةُ الحُدوُدِ", which refers to the enforcement of the prescribed punishments for specific crimes in Islamic law. These punishments are meant to maintain justice, deter wrongdoing, and protect society. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions the importance of upholding the boundaries in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 38, where He says,

And [We had already] conveyed to them the Qur'an in order to make clear to them that they would not be guided away from the path of Allah. And We had already sent Noah and Abraham and placed in their descendants prophethood and scripture; and among them is he who is guided, but many of them are defiantly disobedient.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of these three principles in the Islamic faith. Enjoining good and forbidding evil are essential for the spiritual and moral development of individuals and society. By promoting virtuous actions and discouraging sinful behavior, Muslims contribute to the betterment of their communities and the establishment of a just society.

Furthermore, upholding the boundaries of Islamic law ensures the preservation of justice and the protection of society from harm. It serves as a deterrent against crimes and acts as a means of maintaining order and harmony within the community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam, highlights these principles as the basis of religious law. His words serve as a reminder to Muslims of their responsibilities in promoting goodness, preventing evil, and upholding the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of enjoining good, forbidding evil, and upholding the boundaries of Islamic law. These principles are deeply rooted in the Quran and serve as a guide for Muslims in their pursuit of righteousness and the establishment of a just society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to fulfill these obligations and may He bless us all with His mercy and guidance.