Hadith #8403

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Do not corrupt the thing whose rectitude is important for you.

This profound statement emphasizes the importance of preserving and protecting the things that are essential for our well-being and success.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (tufsid) "تُفْسِدْ" means to corrupt, spoil, or ruin. It refers to any action or behavior that leads to the destruction or deterioration of something. The word (ma) "ما" is a pronoun that encompasses a wide range of possibilities and can refer to various aspects of our lives. In this context, it signifies anything that is important or beneficial to us. The word (ya'nika) "يَعْنِيكَ" is derived from the root word (ana) "عَنَا", which means to concern or matter. It implies that the thing being referred to holds significance and is of value to us. Finally, the word (salahu) "صَلاحُهُ" means rectitude, righteousness, or well-being. It signifies the state of being upright, virtuous, and in accordance with the divine guidance.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195:

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds. It advises us not to engage in actions that lead to our own destruction or harm. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us not to corrupt or ruin the things that are beneficial and important for us.

Another relevant Quranic verse is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2:

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of cooperation in matters of righteousness and piety. It encourages us to work together for the betterment of society and to promote virtuous actions. Conversely, it warns against cooperating in sin and aggression. This verse aligns with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as it advises us to preserve and protect the things that lead to our rectitude and well-being, rather than engaging in actions that corrupt or spoil them.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that it encompasses various aspects of our lives. It urges us to safeguard our faith, relationships, health, knowledge, and resources, among other things. For example, we should not corrupt our faith by indulging in sinful acts or deviating from the teachings of Islam. We should not ruin our relationships by engaging in dishonesty, betrayal, or harmful behavior. We should not spoil our health by neglecting our bodies or engaging in harmful habits. We should not corrupt our knowledge by spreading falsehood or engaging in intellectual dishonesty. And we should not waste or misuse our resources, but rather utilize them in a manner that aligns with righteousness and piety.

The consequences of corrupting the things that are important for us can be severe. It can lead to spiritual, emotional, and physical harm. It can damage our relationships, hinder our progress, and deprive us of the blessings and rewards that come from leading a righteous life. On the other hand, preserving and protecting these things can bring about immense benefits and blessings in this world and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to cherish and safeguard the things that are essential for their well-being and success. It urges us to refrain from corrupting or spoiling these valuable aspects of our lives and encourages us to strive for rectitude and righteousness. By adhering to this advice, we can lead fulfilling lives and attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.