Hadith #4959

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) emphasizes the importance of three qualities that guarantee safety and success in both this world and the hereafter. These qualities are: enjoining good and practicing it, forbidding evil and staying away from it, and preserving the boundaries and ordinances of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith by exploring the meanings of its key words and phrases.

The word (ma'ruf) "مَعْرُوفِ" refers to all that is recognized as good and virtuous according to Islamic teachings. It encompasses acts of kindness, charity, justice, and righteousness. Enjoining ma'ruf means not only promoting good deeds but also actively engaging in them oneself. This includes acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and giving in charity, as well as acts of kindness and compassion towards others.

Conversely, the word (munkar) "مُنْكَرِ" refers to all that is recognized as evil and forbidden in Islam. It encompasses acts of injustice, oppression, immorality, and disobedience to Allah's commands. Forbidding munkar means not only discouraging others from engaging in evil deeds but also refraining from them oneself. This includes abstaining from sins, such as lying, backbiting, and engaging in unlawful transactions.

The phrase (hudud Allah) "حُدُودِ اللّهِ" refers to the boundaries and ordinances set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). These boundaries encompass both the limits of permissible and forbidden actions. Preserving the hudud of Allah entails adhering to His commands and avoiding His prohibitions in all aspects of life.

To further understand the significance of these qualities, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 104:

Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. And it is they who are successful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of enjoining good and forbidding evil, highlighting that those who fulfill these responsibilities are the ones who attain true success.

In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 105, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

O you who have believed, you are responsible for yourselves. Those who have gone astray will not harm you when you have been guided. To Allah is your return all together; then He will inform you of what you used to do.

This verse reminds us of our individual responsibility to preserve the boundaries of Allah and to stay away from evil. It assures us that the actions of others will not harm us if we remain steadfast on the right path.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see the profound wisdom behind these qualities. By enjoining good and practicing it ourselves, we not only contribute to the betterment of society but also strengthen our own faith and character. Similarly, by forbidding evil and staying away from it, we protect ourselves from the harmful consequences of sin and maintain our spiritual well-being.

Preserving the boundaries and ordinances of Allah is crucial for maintaining a righteous and balanced life. By adhering to His commands and avoiding His prohibitions, we establish a strong connection with our Creator and ensure that our actions are in accordance with His divine guidance. This obedience leads to blessings and protection in both this world and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of three qualities: enjoining good and practicing it, forbidding evil and staying away from it, and preserving the boundaries and ordinances of Allah. These qualities are not only essential for individual spiritual growth but also for the betterment of society as a whole. By embodying these qualities, Muslims can attain success and safety in both this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to fulfill these responsibilities and guide us on the path of righteousness.