اَلْوَرَعُ مَنْ نَزِهَتْ نَفْسُهُ وشَرُفَتْ خِلالُهُ۔
The pious person is one whose soul is pure and whose attributes are noble.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Piety)
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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
The pious person is one whose soul is pure and whose attributes are noble.
Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance and explore its significance in light of the Quran.
Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word "pious" is translated from the Arabic term "al-wara'," which refers to a state of righteousness and piety. It encompasses a deep sense of God-consciousness and a constant striving to avoid anything that displeases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The term "soul" is translated from the Arabic word "nafs," which refers to the inner self or the essence of a person. And the term "attributes" is translated from the Arabic word "khilaal," which refers to the characteristics, qualities, and actions of an individual.
To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77:
But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.
This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between our worldly affairs and our spiritual pursuits. The pious person, as mentioned in the Hadith, is one who seeks the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of their life. They are mindful of their responsibilities in this world, while constantly striving to purify their soul and elevate their character.
Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 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 of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.
This verse highlights that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety. The pious person, as described in the Hadith, is one who possesses noble attributes such as honesty, kindness, humility, and justice. They strive to embody the qualities that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and beneficial to humanity.
The consequences of embodying the qualities mentioned in this Hadith are profound. A person who purifies their soul and cultivates noble attributes becomes a source of inspiration and guidance for others. Their actions and character reflect the beauty of Islam, attracting others towards the path of righteousness. They become a means of spreading goodness and establishing a just and harmonious society.
Moreover, the motivation behind striving for purity of the soul and nobility of attributes stems from the love and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The pious person recognizes that their ultimate purpose in life is to seek the pleasure of their Creator. They understand that their actions and intentions are constantly being observed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and they strive to align themselves with His commands and teachings.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of purifying our souls and cultivating noble attributes. It reminds us that true piety lies in striving for righteousness in all aspects of our lives. By seeking inspiration from the Quran and following the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble progeny, we can strive to become individuals who are truly pious, with pure souls and noble attributes. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and attain His pleasure.
Join our community to daily receive one short Hadith of Imam Ali a.s on your device. |