Hadith #314

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,

مِنَ الْعِصْمَةِ تَعَذُّرُ الْمَعَاصِي۔

This can be translated as,

Lack of access to sins is also a kind of chastity.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (‘isma) "عِصْمَةِ" in this Hadith refers to the concept of infallibility or protection from sins. It signifies the state of being immune to committing any sinful act. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being one of the 14 Infallibles, possessed this divine attribute of ‘isma. The word (ta'azzur) "تَعَذُّرُ" means the lack of access or the inability to commit sins. It implies that when one is unable to engage in sinful acts, it is considered a form of chastity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:33),

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse emphasizes the prohibition of immoral acts and sins. It highlights the importance of refraining from engaging in any form of wrongdoing, whether it is apparent or concealed. It is a reminder that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has forbidden us from committing sins, and it is our duty as Muslims to adhere to His commandments.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:157), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the role of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a guide who enjoins what is right and forbids what is wrong. It emphasizes the importance of following his teachings and avoiding sinful actions. By doing so, we can attain success in this life and the hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that the inability to commit sins is a form of chastity. It is not only about refraining from physical acts of immorality, but also about purifying our hearts and minds from sinful thoughts and intentions. When we strive to avoid sins and maintain our spiritual purity, we are safeguarding our souls and upholding the principles of Islam.

This Hadith serves as a reminder that true chastity goes beyond external appearances. It encompasses the internal struggle to resist temptation and the commitment to righteousness. It encourages us to cultivate a strong sense of self-discipline and self-control, which ultimately leads to spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the lack of access to sins is a form of chastity. It reminds us of the importance of striving to avoid sinful acts and purifying our hearts and minds. By adhering to the teachings of Islam and following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can attain true chastity and spiritual elevation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to stay away from sins and lead a life of righteousness.