Hadith #7650

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أحْسَنْ الفِعْلِ الكَفُّ عَنِ القَبِيحِ

which translates to

The best of actions is restraining oneself from evil.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-control and abstaining from sinful actions.

To fully understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (ahsan) "أحْسَنْ" means "best" or "most excellent." It implies that restraining oneself from evil is not just a good action, but the pinnacle of virtuous behavior. The word (al-fi'il) "الفِعْلِ" refers to actions or deeds. And the phrase (al-kaffu 'an al-qabih) "الكَفُّ عَنِ القَبِيحِ" means

restraining oneself from evil.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199),

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages Muslims to not only perform good deeds but also to distance themselves from ignorance and evil. It emphasizes the importance of restraining oneself from engaging in sinful actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse highlights the significance of joining forces in performing righteous actions while refraining from participating in sinful behavior. It reinforces the idea that restraining oneself from evil is a fundamental aspect of a believer's conduct.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to exercise self-control and discipline in their actions. It encourages us to resist the temptations of wrongdoing and to strive towards righteousness. By restraining ourselves from evil, we not only protect our own souls from the consequences of sin but also contribute to the betterment of society.

This Hadith has profound implications in our daily lives. It compels us to reflect on our actions and make conscious choices to avoid engaging in sinful behavior. It reminds us that true excellence lies in the ability to control our desires and impulses, even when faced with challenging situations. It teaches us that by restraining ourselves from evil, we demonstrate our commitment to the teachings of Islam and our dedication to pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

For example, when faced with the temptation to lie, a Muslim who adheres to this Hadith would choose to speak the truth, even if it may be difficult or inconvenient. By doing so, they not only avoid the sin of lying but also uphold the values of honesty and integrity. Similarly, when confronted with the opportunity to engage in backbiting or gossip, a believer who follows this Hadith would refrain from participating, thereby preserving the unity and harmony within the community.

The consequences of restraining oneself from evil are far-reaching. Not only does it purify our souls and protect us from the punishment of sin, but it also sets a positive example for others to follow. When Muslims consistently practice self-restraint, it creates an environment of righteousness and goodness. It fosters a society where individuals strive to do good and avoid evil, leading to a more harmonious and morally upright community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the best of actions is restraining oneself from evil. It emphasizes the importance of self-control, discipline, and the avoidance of sinful behavior. By adhering to this principle, we not only protect ourselves from the consequences of sin but also contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to restrain ourselves from evil and strive towards righteousness.