Hadith #5788

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,

ما أبْعَدَ الصَّلاحَ مِنْ ذِي الشَّرِّ الوَقاحِ۔

This can be translated as,

How far is probity from the people of evil and impudence!

In this enlightening Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark contrast between righteousness and wickedness, emphasizing the vast distance that separates them.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words used. The word (salah) "صلاح" refers to probity, righteousness, or goodness. It encompasses all virtuous qualities and actions that align with the teachings of Islam. On the other hand, (dhi al-sharr) "ذي الشر" refers to the people of evil, those who engage in wickedness and wrongdoing. The word (al-waqah) "الوقاح" denotes impudence, audacity, or shamelessness. It signifies a lack of moral restraint and a disregard for societal norms.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the stark contrast between righteousness and wickedness, and the consequences that follow each path. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah says:

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that righteousness is not merely confined to outward rituals or appearances, but it encompasses a comprehensive set of beliefs and actions. It includes acts of charity, fulfilling promises, patience in times of difficulty, and establishing prayer and giving zakah. The people of righteousness are those who strive to embody these qualities in their daily lives.

In contrast, the Quran warns against the path of evil and impudence. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 205, Allah says:

And when it is said to him, 'Fear Allah,' pride in the sin takes hold of him. Sufficient for him is Hellfire, and how wretched is the resting place.

This verse highlights the arrogance and audacity of those who persist in their sinful ways, disregarding the call to fear Allah. Such individuals are driven by their desires and ego, leading them further away from righteousness and closer to the path of evil.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to distance themselves from the people of evil and impudence. It urges us to strive for righteousness and to be mindful of the stark contrast between these two paths. By aligning ourselves with the teachings of Islam and embodying the qualities of righteousness, we can distance ourselves from the vices that lead to wickedness and impudence.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a motivation for self-reflection and introspection. It prompts us to evaluate our own actions and intentions, ensuring that we are not veering towards the path of evil and impudence. It reminds us to constantly seek improvement in our character and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the vast distance that separates righteousness from wickedness and impudence. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for probity and to distance themselves from the people of evil. By aligning ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and embodying the qualities of righteousness, we can navigate away from the path of wickedness and impudence, and instead, strive for a life of goodness and virtue. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the temptations of evil.