Hadith #10170

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كُنْ مُتَنَزِّهاً تَكُنْ تَقِيّاً۔

which translates to

Be free from sin and you will be pious.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims of all backgrounds and sects.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (mutanazzihan) "مُتَنَزِّهاً" comes from the root word (nazaha) "نَزَهَ", which means to purify or cleanse oneself. It implies the act of distancing oneself from sins and impurities. This purification encompasses both the external and internal aspects of a person's being.

The word (takun) "تَكُنْ" is derived from the root word (kana) "كَانَ", which means to be or become. It indicates a state of being or becoming something. In this context, it signifies the result or consequence of the preceding action, which is being free from sin.

The word (taqiyyan) "تَقِيّاً" is derived from the root word (waqa) "وَقَى", which means to protect or guard against something. It refers to the state of being pious, righteous, and God-conscious. It implies a deep sense of awareness and mindfulness of Allah's commands and prohibitions.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us 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 criterion for nobility and superiority in the sight of Allah is righteousness and piety. It is not based on one's lineage, wealth, or social status. Therefore, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with this Quranic principle, as it highlights the importance of being free from sin to attain true piety.

Another verse that complements this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the significance of Taqwa as the best provision for the journey of life. Just as one prepares provisions for a physical journey, the best provision for the spiritual journey is piety. By being free from sin, one attains Taqwa, which serves as a shield against evil and a means to draw closer to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to strive for purity and righteousness in all aspects of their lives. When we refrain from sinful actions, thoughts, and intentions, we create a space for piety to flourish within us. This purification leads to increased awareness of Allah's presence and a deeper connection with Him.

By being free from sin, we protect ourselves from the harmful consequences of disobedience and draw closer to Allah's mercy and blessings. Our actions become aligned with His commands, and we become more conscious of the impact of our choices on ourselves and others.

This Hadith also highlights the transformative power of self-discipline and self-control. When we actively work towards purifying ourselves, we develop a strong sense of moral character and integrity. Our actions become a reflection of our inner state, and we become beacons of righteousness and guidance for others.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith,

Be free from sin and you will be pious,

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize purification and righteousness in their lives. By distancing ourselves from sin and striving for piety, we align ourselves with the Quranic teachings and fulfill our purpose as servants of Allah. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to purify ourselves and attain true piety.