Hadith #1288

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

المؤمن عفيف، مقتنع، متنزه، متورع.

This Hadith can be translated as,

A believer is chaste, contented, free from sin, and pious.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first quality mentioned in the Hadith is (chaste) "عفيف". This term refers to someone who is pure, modest, and abstains from any form of immorality. The Quran emphasizes the importance of chastity in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Noor (24:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs both men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. This verse highlights the significance of maintaining purity and modesty in our thoughts, actions, and interactions.

The second quality mentioned is (contented) "مقتنع". This term signifies being satisfied and content with what Allah has provided, both in terms of material possessions and spiritual blessings. The Quran repeatedly encourages believers to be grateful and content with their provisions. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:172), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is Him that you worship.

This verse reminds us to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us and to avoid greed and discontentment.

The third quality mentioned is (free from sin) "متنزه". This term denotes being pure and untainted by sins. The Quran emphasizes the importance of striving to avoid sins and purifying our souls. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:33), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse reminds us to be vigilant in avoiding sins, both in our actions and in our speech.

The fourth and final quality mentioned is (pious) "متورع". This term signifies being devout, God-conscious, and mindful of one's duties towards Allah. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of piety and righteousness. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse reminds us that true provision and success lie in cultivating piety and consciousness of Allah in all aspects of our lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound Hadith highlights the essential qualities that a believer should strive to embody. By being chaste, contented, free from sin, and pious, we can attain spiritual growth, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and become a source of inspiration for others. These qualities are not only praised by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), but they are also deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran.

As Muslims, let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to incorporate these qualities into our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to be chaste, contented, free from sin, and pious. May we continuously seek to purify our hearts and souls, and may our actions reflect the teachings of the Quran and the noble example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).