Hadith #8433

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

Become distinguished by virtues and renounce vices.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtuous qualities and abstaining from sinful actions. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (muttassifan) "مُتَّصِفاً" in the Hadith means to become distinguished or characterized by virtues. It implies that Muslims should strive to embody and display virtuous qualities in their thoughts, words, and actions. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteousness and moral excellence.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This ayah highlights that righteousness is not merely limited to external acts of worship, but it encompasses a comprehensive way of life. It includes belief in Allah and the pillars of faith, as well as fulfilling our obligations towards others, such as giving charity, being honest, and showing patience in times of difficulty. By embodying these virtues, we become distinguished as true believers.

The word (mutabarrian) "مُتَبَرِّءً" in the Hadith means to renounce or distance oneself from vices. It signifies the importance of avoiding sinful actions and behaviors that are displeasing to Allah. The Quran provides numerous examples of vices and warns against their detrimental consequences.

In Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse clearly prohibits engaging in illicit sexual activities and highlights the evil nature of such behavior. By renouncing vices like this, we protect ourselves from the spiritual and moral harm they bring.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of refraining from mocking, insulting, or belittling others. It teaches us to renounce the vice of arrogance and to treat all individuals with respect and dignity. By doing so, we create an atmosphere of unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for virtuous qualities and to distance themselves from vices. By embodying righteousness and renouncing sinful actions, we not only fulfill our obligations as believers but also contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to become distinguished by virtues and to renounce vices.