Hadith #10940

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,

لاوَرَعَ أنْفَعُ مِنْ تَجَنُّبِ المَحارِمِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no piety more beneficial than eschewing the forbidden.

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

The word (la wara'a) "لاوَرَعَ" in this Hadith refers to piety or righteousness. It encompasses the act of being cautious and avoiding anything that is forbidden or prohibited in Islam. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses both external actions and internal intentions. The word (tajannubi) "تَجَنُّبِ" means to avoid or abstain from something. And (al-maharimi) "المَحارِمِ" refers to the forbidden or prohibited acts in Islam.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of avoiding the forbidden acts as a means of attaining true piety. It highlights the fact that there is no greater form of righteousness than refraining from what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has prohibited. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in multiple verses.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:30),

That [has been commanded], and whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allah - it is best for him in the sight of his Lord.

This verse emphasizes the significance of honoring the sacred boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and refraining from transgressing them. It is through this act of avoidance that one can attain the highest level of piety and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:189), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

They ask you about the new moons. Say, 'They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.' And it is not righteousness to enter houses from the back, but righteousness is [in] one who fears Allah. And enter houses from their doors.

This verse highlights the importance of righteousness and fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in our actions. It emphasizes that true piety lies in obeying Allah's commands and avoiding actions that are displeasing to Him.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to strive for righteousness by abstaining from the forbidden. It encourages us to constantly evaluate our choices and ensure that we are not engaging in any prohibited acts. By doing so, we purify our souls and strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of knowledge and understanding in our pursuit of piety. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words in this Hadith reflect his deep understanding of the teachings of Islam. It is through knowledge and understanding that we can identify what is forbidden and make conscious efforts to avoid it.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true piety lies in avoiding the forbidden acts. It urges us to be cautious and mindful of our actions, constantly striving to adhere to the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we attain a higher level of righteousness and strengthen our relationship with our Creator. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to eschew the forbidden and increase our piety.