Hadith #4863

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لَنْ يَضيعَ مِنْ سَعْيِكَ ما أصْلَحَكَ وأكْسَبَكَ الأجْرَ۔

This beautiful statement of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the eternal value and significance of our efforts in seeking improvement and divine rewards. Now, let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (your striving) "سَعْيِكَ", (that which improves you) "أصْلَحَكَ", and (earns divine reward) "أكْسَبَكَ الأجْرَ".

The word "سَعْيِكَ" refers to our efforts, actions, and endeavors in this world. It encompasses all our endeavors, whether they are physical, intellectual, or spiritual. It highlights the importance of actively engaging in righteous deeds and constantly striving to improve ourselves.

The phrase "أصْلَحَكَ" means that which brings about improvement and rectification. It refers to actions and efforts that lead to personal growth, moral development, and spiritual elevation. It includes acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as well as acts of kindness, justice, and compassion towards others.

The phrase "أكْسَبَكَ الأجْرَ" emphasizes the divine reward that is earned through our righteous actions. It reminds us that our efforts in seeking goodness and righteousness will never go to waste. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the Most Just and Generous, and He never overlooks the sincere efforts of His servants. He rewards them abundantly, both in this world and in the hereafter.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, Ayah 195:

And their Lord responded to them, 'Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another.'

This ayah reassures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) never lets the efforts of His servants go in vain. He acknowledges and rewards every sincere action, regardless of our gender or social status. Therefore, we should have complete trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promise and continue striving for goodness.

Another relevant ayah is found in Surah Al-Kahf, Ayah 46:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This ayah reminds us that worldly possessions and material wealth are temporary and fleeting. They may provide temporary pleasure and comfort, but they do not hold any lasting value. On the other hand, the enduring good deeds, the righteous actions that we perform, are far more valuable in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They bring us closer to Him and hold eternal rewards.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic ayats, we realize the profound wisdom embedded within. Our striving for goodness and righteousness is never wasted in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Every sincere effort, no matter how small, is acknowledged and rewarded by the Most Merciful.

This Hadith serves as a powerful motivation for us as Muslims. It encourages us to constantly seek improvement, both in our personal lives and in our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that our efforts towards righteousness will bear fruit in this world and the hereafter.

Therefore, let us strive to make our actions align with the teachings of Islam, seeking improvement in all aspects of our lives. Let us remember that our efforts, no matter how small, are valuable in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to continuously strive for that which improves us and earns divine reward.