Hadith #1501

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,

تَعجِيلُ البِرِّ زيادَةٌ فِي البِرِّ۔

This can be translated as,

Hastening to perform righteous acts increases [one’s] righteousness.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of not delaying in performing good deeds and emphasizes the positive impact it has on one's spiritual growth.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. (ta'jeel) "تَعجِيلُ" refers to hastening or expediting an action, while (al-birr) "البِرِّ" encompasses all acts of righteousness, goodness, and piety. The word (ziyadah) "زيادَةٌ" means increase or addition. Therefore, the Hadith can be understood as emphasizing that rushing to engage in acts of righteousness leads to an increase in one's overall righteousness.

This concept of hastening to perform good deeds is beautifully echoed in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:148),

So hasten to good deeds as much as you can.

This verse encourages Muslims to be proactive in doing good and not to delay in performing acts of righteousness. By promptly engaging in virtuous actions, one not only fulfills their duties but also experiences an increase in their spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:21), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord.

This verse emphasizes the importance of competing with one another in seeking forgiveness and engaging in acts of repentance. By rushing to seek forgiveness, Muslims demonstrate their eagerness to rectify their actions and increase their righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to seize every opportunity to perform good deeds and not to postpone them. When we promptly engage in acts of righteousness, we not only fulfill our obligations but also experience personal growth and an increase in our overall righteousness. By hastening to perform good deeds, we demonstrate our sincerity and eagerness to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

For example, if we have the opportunity to help someone in need, we should not delay in extending our assistance. By immediately responding to their call for help, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact in someone's life. Similarly, if we have the chance to engage in acts of worship, such as praying or giving charity, we should not procrastinate. By promptly fulfilling these obligations, we increase our righteousness and strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, delaying or procrastinating in performing good deeds can have negative consequences. It can lead to missed opportunities, a decrease in motivation, and a weakening of our spiritual state. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:10),

And spend from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, 'My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.'

This verse highlights the regret that one may experience when they realize the missed opportunities for righteous actions due to procrastination.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of hastening to perform good deeds. By promptly engaging in acts of righteousness, we not only fulfill our obligations but also experience personal growth and an increase in our overall righteousness. It is essential for Muslims to seize every opportunity to do good and not to delay in fulfilling their duties. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to hasten towards righteousness and increase our closeness to Him.