Hadith #1988

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,

One who is afraid of hellfire keeps away from that which has been forbidden.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of abstaining from actions that have been prohibited in Islam. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding.

The key word in this Hadith is (ijtanaba) "اجْتَنَبَ", which means to avoid or abstain from. It signifies a conscious effort to stay away from something that is forbidden. This word highlights the significance of personal responsibility and self-discipline in adhering to the teachings of Islam.

To comprehend the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:7),

And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of following the guidance of the Messenger (ﷺ) and refraining from what he has forbidden. It is a reminder that obedience to the Prophet is an essential part of our faith. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:168), Allah says,

O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse highlights the importance of consuming only what is permissible and avoiding what is prohibited.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a practical reminder for Muslims to be cautious and mindful of their actions. It encourages us to be conscious of the consequences of our deeds and to strive to avoid actions that may lead us towards the Hellfire.

By adhering to the teachings of Islam and abstaining from the forbidden, we protect ourselves from the spiritual and moral harm that may result from engaging in sinful acts. This Hadith reminds us that our fear of the Hellfire should motivate us to stay away from anything that has been prohibited by Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ).

For example, if one is afraid of the punishment of theft in the Hereafter, they would refrain from stealing. Similarly, if one is conscious of the consequences of backbiting, they would strive to avoid engaging in such harmful speech. This Hadith encourages Muslims to develop a sense of accountability and self-discipline in their daily lives.

Moreover, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of knowledge in understanding what is permissible and what is forbidden. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of Islamic teachings. His words serve as a reminder that seeking knowledge is essential for Muslims to distinguish between right and wrong, and to make informed decisions in their lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of avoiding actions that have been forbidden in Islam. It emphasizes the need for personal responsibility, self-discipline, and knowledge in adhering to the teachings of Islam. By staying away from the prohibited, we protect ourselves from the spiritual and moral harm that may result from engaging in sinful acts. May Allah guide us all to follow His commands and abstain from what He has forbidden.