Hadith #3396

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and abstaining from evil actions. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Do good and do not commit evil acts.

The Arabic word (khayr) "خَيْرَ" refers to any action that is morally good, virtuous, and beneficial. It encompasses acts of kindness, charity, justice, and righteousness. On the other hand, the term (sharr) "شَّرَّ" refers to any action that is morally evil, harmful, and detrimental. It includes acts of injustice, oppression, dishonesty, and immorality.

To support the importance of doing good deeds, the Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of righteousness and virtuous actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

The second part of the Hadith states,

For the one who performs a good deed is better than it and the one who commits an evil act is more evil than it.

This statement highlights the importance of the intention and sincerity behind our actions. It implies that the reward for a good deed is not limited to the act itself but also includes the intention, effort, and impact it has on others.

To illustrate this point, let us consider the example of giving charity. When a person gives charity with a pure intention, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and sincerely wanting to help those in need, their act of charity becomes more than just a monetary transaction. It becomes an expression of compassion, empathy, and selflessness. The reward for such a deed is not only the material benefit it provides but also the spiritual growth, inner peace, and blessings that come with it.

Conversely, when a person commits an evil act, it is not just the act itself that is condemned, but also the intention, motivation, and consequences that accompany it. For instance, if someone engages in dishonesty, their act not only harms others but also tarnishes their own character and integrity. The Quran emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8),

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive towards goodness and righteousness in all aspects of their lives. It emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and abstaining from evil acts, highlighting the significance of intention, sincerity, and the consequences of our actions. By adhering to this guidance, we can cultivate a society that is characterized by compassion, justice, and moral excellence, thereby earning the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attaining success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to perform good deeds and avoid evil acts.