Hadith #1734

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

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

The purity of beauty is [in] chastity.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its profound implications in light of the Quran.

The word (zakat) "زَكوةُ" in Arabic refers to purification or cleansing. It is derived from the root word (zaka) "زَكَا", which means to purify or make something pure. In this context, it signifies the purification or cleansing of beauty.

The word (al-jamal) "الجَمالِ" refers to beauty or attractiveness. It encompasses both physical beauty and inner beauty, including qualities such as grace, elegance, and charm. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the true purity of beauty lies in something else.

The word (al-'afaf) "العَفافُ" means chastity or modesty. It refers to the virtue of restraining oneself from engaging in immoral or indecent behavior, particularly in matters related to one's sexuality. It encompasses purity of thought, speech, and action.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nur (24:30-31):

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not display their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not display their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women.

These verses highlight the importance of modesty and chastity for both men and women. They emphasize the need to lower one's gaze and guard one's private parts. This is a commandment from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that ensures the preservation of one's purity and the protection of society from the harms of immorality.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes this message in his Hadith, reminding us that true beauty lies not in physical appearance alone, but in the purity of one's character and conduct. A person may possess physical beauty, but if they lack chastity and modesty, their beauty is tainted and incomplete.

When we prioritize chastity and modesty, we cultivate a sense of self-respect and honor. We protect ourselves from falling into sinful behavior and maintain a dignified demeanor. This purity of character radiates from within and enhances our overall beauty, making us more pleasing in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, the purity of beauty through chastity has far-reaching consequences. It fosters healthy relationships based on respect, trust, and mutual understanding. It safeguards individuals and societies from the destructive consequences of immorality, such as broken families, emotional trauma, and the spread of diseases.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating inner beauty and prioritizing chastity in our lives. We should strive to embody the qualities of modesty, purity, and self-restraint in our thoughts, words, and actions. By doing so, we not only attain true beauty in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but also contribute to a more virtuous and harmonious society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to uphold the purity of beauty through chastity, and may He bless us with true inner beauty that reflects His light.