Hadith #4037

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) states,

The height of religion is enjoining good, forbidding evil and upholding the boundaries [of Islamic law].

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (enjoining good) "الأمْرُ بِالمَعْرُوفِ". The word "الأمْرُ" refers to commanding or ordering, while "بِالمَعْرُوفِ" means that which is recognized as good or virtuous. This phrase emphasizes the obligation of Muslims to actively promote and encourage righteous actions, virtues, and moral conduct in society. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (3:104),

And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.

The second key word is (forbidding evil) "النَّهيُ عَنِ المُنْكَرِ". "النَّهيُ" means to prohibit or forbid, while "عَنِ المُنْكَرِ" refers to that which is recognized as evil or immoral. This part of the Hadith highlights the responsibility of Muslims to actively discourage and prevent acts of wrongdoing, immorality, and injustice. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (9:71),

The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those - Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

The third significant phrase is (upholding the boundaries [of Islamic law]) "إقامَةُ الحُدُودِ". "إقامَةُ" means to establish or uphold, while "الحُدُودِ" refers to the prescribed limits and boundaries set by Islamic law. This part of the Hadith emphasizes the importance of adhering to the laws and regulations of Islam and ensuring that they are implemented and maintained in society. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (5:87),

O you who have believed, do not prohibit the good things which Allah has made lawful to you and do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the essence of true religion, which lies in actively promoting righteousness, preventing evil, and upholding the boundaries of Islamic law. By enjoining good, Muslims encourage acts of kindness, compassion, and justice in society. By forbidding evil, they strive to eradicate vices, immorality, and injustice. And by upholding the boundaries of Islamic law, they ensure the preservation of the values and principles that Islam promotes.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of taking an active role in promoting goodness and preventing evil in our communities. It encourages us to be proactive in standing up against injustice, oppression, and immorality. It also serves as a reminder that our religion is not merely a set of rituals and beliefs, but a comprehensive way of life that encompasses all aspects of our existence.

By enjoining good and forbidding evil, we contribute to the betterment of society and the establishment of justice. We become the ambassadors of Islam, spreading its message of peace, compassion, and righteousness. We inspire others to follow the path of goodness and righteousness, and we discourage them from engaging in harmful and immoral actions.

Furthermore, upholding the boundaries of Islamic law ensures the preservation of the moral fabric of society. It prevents the erosion of values and principles that Islam promotes, and it safeguards the rights and dignity of individuals. By adhering to the laws and regulations of Islam, we create an environment that is conducive to the well-being and prosperity of all.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to actively engage in enjoining good, forbidding evil, and upholding the boundaries of Islamic law. It calls upon us to be proactive in promoting righteousness, preventing wrongdoing, and ensuring the preservation of the values and principles of Islam. By embodying these teachings, we contribute to the betterment of society and the establishment of justice, reflecting the true essence of our religion. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength and wisdom to fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.