Hadith #2267

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إكْتِسابُ الحَسَناتِ مِنْ أفْضَلِ المَكاسِبِ۔

This can be translated as,

Acquiring of good deeds is one of the best of earnings.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (iktisab) "إكْتِسابُ" in this Hadith refers to the act of acquiring or earning something. It implies that good deeds are not simply bestowed upon us, but rather, they require effort and intention on our part. This highlights the importance of actively seeking and engaging in righteous actions in order to accumulate good deeds.

The term (al-hasanat) "الحَسَناتِ" refers to good deeds or righteous actions. These can include acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and giving charity, as well as acts of kindness, honesty, and justice towards others. The emphasis on "الحَسَناتِ" in this Hadith signifies the significance and value of these actions in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The phrase (min afḍalil makasib) "مِنْ أفْضَلِ المَكاسِبِ" translates to

one of the best of earnings.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the superiority and excellence of acquiring good deeds. Just as earning wealth is considered valuable in the material world, the acquisition of good deeds holds immense spiritual value and reward in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse emphasizes that the best provision for the journey of life is not material wealth, but rather, it is the acquisition of piety and good deeds.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 verse reminds us that while worldly possessions may bring temporary pleasure and adornment, it is the enduring good deeds that hold true value and reward in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The exegesis of this Hadith highlights the importance of actively seeking and engaging in righteous actions. It reminds us that acquiring good deeds is not only a means of earning reward in the hereafter, but it also brings about positive consequences in this world. Good deeds have the power to purify our souls, strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and positively impact the lives of those around us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to prioritize the acquisition of good deeds. By actively engaging in acts of worship, kindness, and justice, we not only earn reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also cultivate a righteous character and contribute to the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of actively acquiring good deeds. It emphasizes that the acquisition of good deeds is one of the best forms of earnings, surpassing material wealth in its value and reward. By engaging in righteous actions, we not only earn reward in the hereafter but also experience positive consequences in this world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to continuously acquire good deeds and seek His pleasure.