Hadith #1008

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,

The best matters are those that give the quickest benefit and the most praiseworthy results.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking and prioritizing actions that bring immediate benefits and lead to praiseworthy outcomes.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (khayr) "خَيْرُ" refers to goodness, excellence, and what is best. It encompasses all actions, deeds, and decisions that are virtuous and beneficial. The word (umoor) "أُمُورِ" refers to matters, affairs, or actions. It encompasses all aspects of life, whether personal, social, or spiritual.

The word (aajaluhā) "أعْجَلُها" means the quickest or the fastest. It highlights the importance of seeking actions that bring immediate benefits and results. It encourages Muslims to prioritize actions that have a swift impact and contribute to their well-being and the well-being of others.

On the other hand, the word (ahmaduhā) "أحْمَدُها" means the most praiseworthy. It emphasizes the significance of seeking actions that lead to outcomes that are highly commendable and praiseworthy. These actions are not only beneficial in the short term but also have long-lasting positive effects.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

And there are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and they will have no share in the Hereafter.

This verse reminds us that while seeking worldly benefits is not inherently wrong, we must not neglect the importance of the Hereafter. Therefore, the best matters are those that bring immediate benefits in this world while also being conducive to our eternal success.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the importance of righteous actions and the need to advise one another towards truth and patience. It emphasizes the significance of seeking actions that not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us the importance of seeking actions that bring immediate benefits and lead to praiseworthy outcomes. It encourages Muslims to prioritize actions that have a positive impact on their lives and the lives of others. By doing so, we can strive for excellence in our deeds and ensure that our actions align with the teachings of Islam.

For example, performing acts of kindness and charity not only bring immediate benefits to those in need but also earn us the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the admiration of others. Similarly, seeking knowledge and educating ourselves not only benefits us in this world but also contributes to the betterment of society and earns us rewards in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to prioritize actions that bring immediate benefits and lead to praiseworthy outcomes. It encourages us to seek goodness in all aspects of our lives and strive for excellence in our deeds. By doing so, we can ensure that our actions align with the teachings of Islam and contribute to our well-being in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the best of actions and grant us success in both worlds.