Hadith #10941

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of piety and righteousness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that there is no form of piety that is more beneficial than abandoning the forbidden and staying away from sinful acts.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying of analyzing the key words and concepts mentioned in this Hadith. The word (la wara'a) "لاوَرَعَ" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of one's actions, ensuring that they are in accordance with the divine teachings. The word (tarke) "ترْكِ" means to abandon or leave, while (al-maharim) "المَحارِمِ" refers to the forbidden acts, those actions that have been explicitly prohibited by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 37:

It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.

This verse highlights that true piety is not merely performing rituals or adhering to external practices, but it is the purity of heart and the righteousness of actions that truly matter in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 168, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding the forbidden and adhering to what is lawful and good. It reminds us that our actions should be in accordance with the divine guidance, as following the footsteps of Satan leads to sin and spiritual degradation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith highlights the immense benefits of abandoning the forbidden and staying away from sinful acts. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the harmful consequences of sin and maintain a pure and righteous character. This piety not only brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but it also has a positive impact on our relationships with others and our overall well-being.

When we abstain from the forbidden, we cultivate a sense of self-discipline and self-control. This enables us to make better choices and resist temptations that may lead us astray. It helps us develop a strong moral compass and a deep sense of integrity. Moreover, by avoiding sinful acts, we protect ourselves from the negative consequences that they bring, both in this world and in the hereafter.

The motivation behind abandoning the forbidden and eschewing sins is rooted in our love and reverence for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We recognize that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has forbidden certain actions for our own benefit and to safeguard our spiritual well-being. Therefore, out of our love for Him, we strive to adhere to His commands and avoid anything that displeases Him.

The consequences of adhering to this Hadith are profound. By abandoning the forbidden and eschewing sins, we purify our hearts and souls, allowing us to attain a higher level of spirituality. This purity of heart enables us to establish a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. It also allows us to become a source of goodness and righteousness in society, inspiring others to follow the path of piety.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability. We should constantly evaluate our actions and strive to align them with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can attain true piety and righteousness, which is the key to success in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to abandon the forbidden and eschew sins, and may He bless us with true piety and righteousness. Ameen.