Hadith #3278

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 noble companions.

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

بُعدُ المَرْءِ عَنِ الدَّنيَّةِ فُتُوَّةٌ۔

This can be translated as,

A person’s distance from vice is [the source of his] magnanimity.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (budh) "بُعدُ" in this Hadith refers to the act of staying away or distancing oneself from something. It signifies the deliberate choice to refrain from engaging in vices and sinful actions. It implies a conscious effort to detach oneself from the allurements and temptations of this worldly life.

The term (ad-dunya) "الدَّنيَّةِ" refers to the material world, the transient and temporary life that we are living in. It encompasses the worldly desires, wealth, power, and all that distracts us from the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is important to note that the word "دَّنيَّةِ" does not refer to the physical world itself, but rather to the attachment and obsession with worldly possessions and pleasures.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:81),

And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse highlights the contrast between truth and falsehood, emphasizing that falsehood is inherently transient and will eventually fade away. Similarly, the worldly pleasures and vices that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) refers to in this Hadith are temporary and fleeting.

In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse beautifully illustrates the transitory nature of worldly pursuits and the ultimate insignificance of material possessions.

When Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that a person's distance from vice is the source of their magnanimity, he is highlighting the immense value of restraining oneself from indulging in sinful actions and immoral behavior. By choosing to distance oneself from the allurements of this world, one demonstrates strength of character, self-control, and moral excellence.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. When we distance ourselves from vices, we not only protect ourselves from the negative consequences of sin in this world but also safeguard our spiritual well-being in the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of distancing ourselves from the vices and temptations of this worldly life. By doing so, we cultivate magnanimity and moral excellence. We are reminded that the material world is temporary and transient, and our true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to distance ourselves from vice and attain true magnanimity.