Hadith #1038

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لَنْ تَهتَدِيَ إلَى المَعْرُوفِ حَتّى تَضِلَّ عَنِ المُنْكَرِ۔

This powerful statement emphasizes the importance of straying away from evil in order to attain guidance towards goodness. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tahdiya) "تَهْتَدِيَ" in the Hadith means "to be guided." It implies being led towards the path of righteousness and goodness. The word (ma'ruf) "مَعْرُوفِ" refers to acts of kindness, righteousness, and good deeds. On the other hand, the word (munkar) "مُنْكَرِ" refers to evil, wrongdoing, and acts that are forbidden in Islam.

To understand the significance of straying from evil in order to attain guidance towards goodness, we can turn to the Quran for further clarification. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding disobedience and evil during the pilgrimage (Hajj). It emphasizes that true guidance towards goodness can only be achieved by refraining from sinful acts and focusing on righteousness. Similarly, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

These verses from the Quran emphasize the principle of straying from evil in order to attain guidance towards goodness. They highlight the importance of avoiding sinful acts and cooperating in righteousness. This aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, as he emphasizes that one can never be guided towards good unless they distance themselves from evil.

The consequences of following this principle are profound. By straying from evil, Muslims are able to purify their hearts and souls, allowing them to be receptive to the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This guidance leads to a life of righteousness, where individuals engage in acts of kindness, justice, and compassion towards others. It also leads to a greater understanding of the teachings of Islam and a closer connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder that the path to goodness is not always easy. It requires a conscious effort to distance oneself from evil and make choices that align with the teachings of Islam. It requires self-reflection, self-discipline, and a constant striving towards self-improvement. However, the rewards of following this path are immense, both in this world and in the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the principle of straying from evil in order to attain guidance towards goodness. It aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which highlight the importance of avoiding sinful acts and engaging in righteousness. By following this principle, Muslims can purify their hearts, strengthen their connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and lead a life of righteousness and compassion. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all towards goodness and protect us from evil.