Hadith #1245

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) emphasizes the importance of three key actions: contentment in obedience to Allah, performing good deeds, and hastening towards noble traits. These actions are described as being from the perfections of faith and the best virtues. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (ta'at) "طاعات", which refers to obedience. Obedience to Allah encompasses following His commandments, fulfilling our religious obligations, and abstaining from what He has prohibited. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of obedience to Allah. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:58)

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you

This verse highlights the importance of obedience to both Allah and His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The second important word is (khayrat) "خيرات", which means good deeds. Good deeds encompass acts of worship, charity, kindness, and all actions that bring benefit to oneself and others. The Quran encourages believers to perform good deeds and promises great rewards for them. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (16:97)

Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life

This verse highlights the correlation between performing good deeds and leading a righteous and fulfilling life.

The third important word is (makramat) "مكرمات", which refers to noble traits or virtues. These noble traits include generosity, forgiveness, humility, patience, and other praiseworthy qualities. The Quran emphasizes the importance of cultivating noble traits in several verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you

This verse highlights that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that these three actions - contentment in obedience to Allah, performing good deeds, and hastening towards noble traits - are from the perfections of faith and the best virtues. This means that by consistently practicing these actions, a believer can attain a higher level of faith and embody the best qualities of a Muslim.

Contentment in obedience to Allah means being satisfied and at peace with fulfilling our religious obligations. It involves not only performing the obligatory acts of worship but also going beyond them by engaging in voluntary acts of worship. This contentment stems from recognizing the blessings and rewards that come with obedience to Allah. The Quran states, (13:28)

And whoever is content with the obedience of Allah - they are the successful

Performing good deeds is a fundamental aspect of Islam. It is through these actions that we demonstrate our love and devotion to Allah and seek His pleasure. Good deeds are not limited to acts of worship but also include acts of kindness, charity, and service to others. The Quran encourages believers to compete in performing good deeds, as stated in Surah Al-Baqarah, (2:148)

So race to [all that is] good

Hastening towards noble traits involves actively seeking to develop and embody virtuous qualities. It requires self-reflection, self-improvement, and a conscious effort to emulate the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The Quran describes the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a role model for believers, saying, (33:21)

Certainly, there is for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern

By practicing these three actions, Muslims can enhance their faith and strive towards perfection. Contentment in obedience to Allah leads to a sense of tranquility and spiritual fulfillment. Performing good deeds not only benefits others but also purifies the soul and strengthens the bond with Allah. Hastening towards noble traits cultivates a virtuous character and enables one to positively impact society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of contentment in obedience to Allah, performing good deeds, and hastening towards noble traits. These actions are integral to the perfection of faith and the development of the best virtues. By consistently practicing these actions, Muslims can strengthen their relationship with Allah, improve their character, and contribute positively to society. May Allah guide us all to embody these teachings and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.