Hadith #10921

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue of abstaining from forbidden actions as a manifestation of true piety. The word (warā') "وَرَعِ" in this Hadith refers to piety or righteousness, while (ijtināb) "اِجْتِنَابُ" means to avoid or abstain from. And (al-muḥarramāt) "المُحَرَّمَاتِ" refers to the forbidden or prohibited actions.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of staying away from actions that have been explicitly prohibited in Islam. It encourages Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in avoiding anything that is forbidden by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By abstaining from these forbidden actions, one demonstrates their commitment to righteousness and their desire to please Allah.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent

This verse highlights the rewards and blessings that come with fearing Allah and relying on Him. By abstaining from forbidden actions, we demonstrate our fear of Allah and our trust in His guidance and provisions.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 17:32)

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way

This verse explicitly prohibits engaging in unlawful sexual acts and emphasizes the evil nature of such actions. By abstaining from these forbidden acts, we uphold the moral values prescribed by Allah and protect ourselves from the negative consequences that come with indulging in them.

The exegesis of this Hadith reminds us of the importance of self-discipline and self-control in our daily lives. It serves as a reminder that true piety is not only about performing acts of worship but also about avoiding actions that are forbidden by Allah. By abstaining from these forbidden actions, we purify our souls, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and strive towards attaining a higher level of righteousness.

Moreover, eschewing forbidden actions has far-reaching consequences. It not only safeguards our own spiritual well-being but also contributes to the betterment of society as a whole. When individuals refrain from engaging in forbidden actions, they promote a culture of morality, justice, and peace. This, in turn, leads to the establishment of a righteous society where individuals can thrive and live in harmony.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the significance of abstaining from forbidden actions in this Hadith. His words serve as a guiding light for Muslims, reminding us of the importance of self-restraint and the pursuit of righteousness. By following his teachings and adhering to the prohibitions set by Allah, we can strive towards becoming individuals who are truly pious and pleasing to our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue of eschewing forbidden actions as a manifestation of true piety. By abstaining from these actions, we demonstrate our commitment to righteousness, protect ourselves from the negative consequences of sin, and contribute to the establishment of a just and moral society. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of piety and grant us the strength to avoid all that is forbidden.