Hadith #1595

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إحْفَظْ بَطْنَكَ وفَرْجَكَ مِنَ الحَرامِ۔

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of protecting one's stomach and private parts from engaging in what is forbidden in Islam.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The word "بَطْنَكَ" refers to one's stomach or abdomen, which is the physical organ responsible for digestion and nourishment. It symbolizes the intake of food and sustenance. The word "فَرْجَكَ" refers to one's private parts, specifically the reproductive organs, which are a sacred and intimate part of a person's body.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to protect these two vital parts of our bodies from engaging in what is forbidden or haram. This encompasses refraining from consuming prohibited food and engaging in illicit sexual activities. By safeguarding our stomach and private parts from what is forbidden, we are preserving our physical and spiritual well-being.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support and reinforce the wisdom behind Imam Ali's advice. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 168:

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 emphasizes the importance of consuming only what is lawful and permissible, as it directly affects our physical health and spiritual state.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 32, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against engaging in adultery and fornication:

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

This verse highlights the significance of protecting our private parts from engaging in illicit sexual acts, which not only violate the sanctity of marriage but also lead to harmful consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

Imam Ali's advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to exercise self-control. By restraining ourselves from indulging in what is forbidden, we cultivate discipline, strengthen our faith, and maintain a harmonious balance in our lives. It is through such self-restraint that we can attain spiritual growth and proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, Imam Ali's words highlight the importance of knowledge and understanding in making informed choices. He possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, which he acquired through his close association with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his own innate intellect. This Hadith serves as a testament to Imam Ali's deep understanding of the teachings of Islam and his ability to guide Muslims towards righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to protect our stomach and private parts from engaging in what is forbidden. By adhering to this advice, we not only preserve our physical and spiritual well-being but also demonstrate our commitment to following the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as outlined in the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to uphold these teachings in our lives.