Hadith #4363

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,

مَنْ لَمْ تَرْتَدِعْ يَجْهَلْ۔

This can be translated as,

One who does not restrain himself [from evils and excesses] is ignorant.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (tartadi') "تَرْتَدِعْ" in the Hadith refers to restraining oneself or holding back from indulging in evil deeds or excessive behavior. It implies self-control, discipline, and the ability to resist temptations. This quality is essential for every Muslim, as it helps in maintaining a balanced and righteous life.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of self-restraint in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah says,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse highlights the significance of turning away from ignorant actions and behaviors, which can only be achieved through self-restraint.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah states,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse emphasizes the need to restrain oneself from mocking or insulting others, as it is a sign of ignorance and lack of self-control.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the consequences of failing to exercise self-restraint. When one indulges in evil deeds or excessive behavior, they become ignorant in the true sense of the word. This ignorance stems from a lack of understanding, wisdom, and the ability to discern between right and wrong.

For example, if a person fails to restrain themselves from engaging in backbiting, they become ignorant of the harm it causes to others and themselves. They fail to recognize the importance of guarding their tongues and preserving the unity of the Muslim community. Similarly, if someone lacks self-restraint in matters of wealth, they may fall into the trap of greed and materialism, losing sight of the true purpose of life and the importance of charity.

The consequences of ignorance resulting from a lack of self-restraint are not limited to this world alone. In the Hereafter, those who indulge in evil deeds without restraint will face severe consequences. Allah warns in Surah Al-Hajj (22:9),

And among the people is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face [to the other direction]. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.

This verse highlights that those who lack self-restraint and easily sway between good and evil are at risk of losing both this world and the Hereafter. Their lack of steadfastness and discipline leads them astray, causing them to miss out on the blessings and rewards of a righteous life.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-restraint in our daily lives. It is through self-control that we can avoid falling into ignorance and its detrimental consequences. By restraining ourselves from evil deeds and excessive behavior, we attain wisdom, understanding, and the ability to make sound decisions in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to exercise self-restraint in all aspects of our lives, and may He protect us from the pitfalls of ignorance. Ameen.