Prophet Muhammad's Secret Message to Ali ibn Abi Talib on Wara
In Islamic teachings, the virtue of wara is a crucial moral quality that every Muslim must possess. Wara refers to being cautious and abstaining from anything that could lead to wrongdoing or sin. With this trait, one is better able to choose a righteous, halal path that brings benefit.
According to the Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI), wara or warak means obedience and submission to Allah SWT. Scholars explain that wara involves not only avoiding haram (forbidden) acts but also steering clear of doubtful matters to prevent falling into sin.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted the importance of wara in a Muslim’s life through several hadiths.
Faith Is Incomplete Without Wara
In the book Wasiyatul Musthafa by Imam Asy-Sya’rani, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised Ali ibn Abi Talib on the significance of wara in religious life.
Yā ’Aliyyu, lā dīna liman lā khasyyata lah, wa lā ’aqla liman lā ’iṣmata lah, wa lā īmāna liman lā wara‘a lah, wa lā ’ibādata liman lā ’ilma lah, wa lā murū’ata liman lā ṣadaqata lah, wa lā amāna liman lā sirra lah, wa lā taubata liman lā taufīqa lah, wa lā sakhā’a liman lā ḥayā’a lah.
“O Ali, there is no religion for one who lacks fear of Allah. There is no intellect for one who cannot safeguard himself. There is no faith for one who lacks wara. There is no worship for one who lacks knowledge. There is no honour for one who does not give charity. There is no trustworthiness for one who cannot keep secrets. There is no repentance for one who lacks divine guidance. And there is no generosity for one who lacks modesty.”
This hadith underscores that wara is integral to the completeness of faith. Those who are not cautious about sin and wrongdoing risk corrupting their own religion.
Those Without Wara Are Deemed Without Faith
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasised that those who do not practice wara towards sins lack strong faith in their hearts.
Yā ’Aliyyu, man lam yakun wara‘an ’anil-ma‘āṣī fa baṭnul-arḍi khairun lahū min ẓahrihā li annahū lā īmāna fī qalbih.
“O Ali, whoever does not exercise wara towards sins, the belly of the earth is better for him than its surface, for there is no faith in his heart.”
Scholars explain that this hadith is not a curse but a stern warning for Muslims to avoid persistent sin without fear of Allah.