Hadith #11146

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالتَّقْوى تَزْكُوا الأعْمالُ۔" This can be translated as,

Through God-wariness, actions become pure.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (taqwa) "تَقْوَى" is of utmost importance in this Hadith. It is derived from the root word "وَقَى" which means to protect or shield oneself from harm. In the Islamic context, taqwa refers to the consciousness of Allah's presence and the fear of displeasing Him. It is a state of mind and heart that motivates a person to act righteously and avoid sinful actions.

The concept of taqwa is beautifully emphasized in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 (أَتْقَاكُمْ). Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that the measure of nobility and superiority in the sight of Allah is not based on one's lineage or wealth, but rather on their level of taqwa. It is through taqwa that individuals purify their actions and attain a higher rank in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

In this verse, Allah emphasizes that the best provision for the journey of Hajj is taqwa. It is through taqwa that one can fulfill the obligations of Hajj without engaging in sinful acts or disputes. This highlights the transformative power of taqwa in purifying one's actions and intentions.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. He states that through taqwa, actions become pure. This means that when an individual possesses taqwa, their actions are not only performed outwardly but are also accompanied by sincerity, righteousness, and a deep awareness of Allah's presence.

For example, if a person prays merely as a ritual without taqwa, their prayer may lack the essence of devotion and connection with Allah. However, when a person prays with taqwa, their prayer becomes a means of purifying their heart, seeking closeness to Allah, and attaining spiritual growth.

Similarly, acts of charity, kindness, and honesty performed with taqwa are not only fulfilling societal obligations but are also acts of worship that purify the soul and earn the pleasure of Allah. Taqwa infuses every action with sincerity and righteousness, transforming mundane deeds into acts of worship and spiritual elevation.

The consequences of practicing taqwa are immense. It not only purifies our actions but also protects us from falling into sin and transgression. It serves as a shield against the temptations of this world and safeguards our hearts from the corruption of immoral desires. Taqwa allows us to navigate through life with integrity, consciousness, and a deep sense of accountability to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of taqwa in purifying our actions. Through taqwa, our deeds become sincere, righteous, and pleasing to Allah. It is through taqwa that we can attain spiritual growth, protect ourselves from sin, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate taqwa and purify our actions.