Hadith #10934

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لانَزاهَةَ كَالتَّوَرُّعِ۔" which translates to

There is no purity like piety.

This concise statement holds a significance and highlights the importance of piety in attaining true purity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "Nazahah" refers to purity, cleanliness, and freedom from impurities. It encompasses both physical and spiritual purity. "Tawarru'" refers to piety, righteousness, and the act of being cautious and abstaining from sins.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of purity and piety in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights that the ultimate provision for the journey of life is piety, which is closely related to the concept of tawarru' mentioned in the Hadith.

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

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (atqakum).

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, rather than in worldly status or lineage.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully complements these Quranic teachings. It highlights that true purity is not merely external cleanliness, but it is deeply rooted in piety and righteousness. A person may appear physically clean, but if their heart is tainted with sins and impurities, they cannot attain true purity in the sight of Allah.

Piety, on the other hand, encompasses both internal and external aspects of a person's character. It involves being conscious of Allah's commands, refraining from sins, and striving to please Him in all aspects of life. It is through piety that one purifies their heart, thoughts, intentions, and actions.

The consequences of embodying this Hadith are profound. When individuals prioritize piety and righteousness, they become more conscious of their actions and strive to align them with the teachings of Islam. This leads to a transformation in their character, as they become more humble, compassionate, and just. They become a source of goodness and benefit for themselves and society as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of constantly striving for piety and righteousness. It serves as a reminder that true purity is not achieved through external rituals alone, but through the purification of our hearts and souls. We should constantly evaluate our actions, intentions, and thoughts, seeking to align them with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true purity lies in piety and righteousness. It reminds us that our actions should be driven by a sincere desire to please Allah and seek His pleasure. By embodying this Hadith, we can purify our hearts, elevate our character, and attain a level of purity that surpasses mere physical cleanliness. May Allah grant us the ability to embody true piety and attain the highest levels of purity.