Hadith #5133

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) advises us to

efface evil from our hearts

in order to attain purification of the soul and acceptance of our actions. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this beautiful Hadith and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (umh) "أُمْحُ" in Arabic means to erase or remove. It implies a deliberate and conscious effort to eliminate evil from our hearts. This includes eradicating negative thoughts, feelings, and intentions that may lead to sinful actions. By purifying our hearts, we create a space for goodness, righteousness, and piety to flourish.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of purifying the heart in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Shams, Allah says, (Quran 91:7-10)

By the soul and He who proportioned it, and inspired it with its wickedness and its righteousness, indeed, he succeeds who purifies it, and he fails who corrupts it.

This verse highlights the significance of purifying the soul, as success in this life and the hereafter is contingent upon it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah states, (Quran 13:11)

Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.

This verse emphasizes that true change and transformation begin from within. By erasing evil from our hearts, we initiate a process of self-improvement that can lead to positive change in our lives and the lives of those around us.

When we purify our hearts, our actions become a reflection of our inner state. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mu'minun, (Quran 16:97)

But whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

This verse highlights that righteous actions are a result of a purified heart and are rewarded by Allah.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah emphasizes the importance of sincerity in our actions, stating, (Quran 2:222)

Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.

This verse highlights that purification of the self is beloved to Allah, and it is through this purification that our actions become sincere and acceptable to Him.

The consequences of purifying our hearts are manifold. Firstly, it leads to a sense of inner peace and tranquility. When we remove evil from our hearts, we free ourselves from the burden of negative emotions such as anger, envy, and hatred. This allows us to experience a deep sense of serenity and contentment.

Secondly, purifying our hearts enables us to develop a stronger connection with Allah. When our hearts are free from evil, we become more receptive to His guidance and mercy. Our prayers become more sincere, and our worship becomes an expression of love and devotion.

Thirdly, purifying our hearts has a positive impact on our relationships with others. When we remove evil from our hearts, we are more inclined towards forgiveness, compassion, and empathy. This fosters harmonious relationships and contributes to a more peaceful and just society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of purifying our hearts by erasing evil. By doing so, we attain purification of the soul and acceptance of our actions. This purification is a continuous process that requires self-reflection, repentance, and striving towards righteousness. May Allah guide us all in purifying our hearts and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.