Hadith #11144

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

بِالتَّقْوى تُقْطَعُ حُمَةُ الخَطايا۔

This can be translated as,

The sting (or blackness) of sins is cut off by God-wariness.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. (taqwa) "تَقْوَى" refers to God-wariness or piety. It is the state of being conscious of Allah's presence and seeking to please Him in all aspects of life. (hummah) "حُمَّةُ" can be understood as the sting or blackness that sins leave on the heart and soul.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (أَتْقَاكُمْ) of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that the most honorable and noble among us are those who possess taqwa, the God-wariness that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) speaks of in the Hadith. Taqwa is not limited to a specific gender, race, or tribe, but it is a quality that resides within the hearts of those who strive to please Allah.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of taqwa is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of taqwa as the best provision for our journey in this world. It is a spiritual nourishment that protects us from falling into the traps of sins and transgressions. Just as provisions sustain us physically, taqwa sustains our souls and shields us from the harmful consequences of our actions.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. When he says that the sting or blackness of sins is cut off by taqwa, he is highlighting the transformative power of God-wariness. Taqwa acts as a shield that prevents sins from leaving a lasting impact on our hearts and souls.

Imagine a person who is conscious of Allah's presence and constantly strives to please Him. Such an individual will be cautious in their actions, words, and thoughts, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. When they inevitably make mistakes and commit sins, their taqwa acts as a remedy that purifies their hearts and prevents the sins from leaving a lasting mark.

For example, if a person with taqwa engages in backbiting, their conscience will immediately remind them of the displeasure of Allah. They will feel remorse and seek forgiveness, thus cutting off the sting of that sin. Their taqwa motivates them to rectify their actions, seek repentance, and strive to avoid similar sins in the future.

Conversely, a person without taqwa may engage in the same sin of backbiting without feeling any remorse or seeking forgiveness. The sting of that sin will linger in their heart, gradually darkening their soul and distancing them from Allah's mercy.

The consequences of taqwa are not limited to the purification of the individual's heart and soul. It also extends to their interactions with others and the society at large. A person with taqwa will be mindful of their responsibilities towards their fellow Muslims, treating them with kindness, respect, and justice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound impact of taqwa in our lives. It acts as a shield that cuts off the sting of sins, preventing them from leaving a lasting mark on our hearts and souls. By cultivating taqwa, we strive to please Allah and seek His forgiveness, purifying ourselves and fostering a society built on righteousness and justice. May Allah grant us the ability to develop and strengthen our taqwa.