Hadith #1474

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

بادِرِ البِرَّ فَإنَّ أعْمالَ البِرِّ فُرْصَةٌ۔

This can be translated as:

Hasten towards virtue, for verily virtuous deeds are an opportunity [to secure your Hereafter].

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (badir) "بادِرِ" means to hasten or to be quick in doing something. (al-birr) "البِرَّ" refers to righteousness, goodness, and virtue. It encompasses all acts of obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fulfilling the rights of others. (fursah) "فُرْصَةٌ" means an opportunity or a chance.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148:

So hasten to good deeds as to a race to a goal from which there is no deviation.

This verse emphasizes the importance of hastening towards good deeds, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us in the Hadith. It highlights the urgency and priority of engaging in righteous actions without delay.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 21, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

This verse further emphasizes the concept of hastening towards goodness and seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that virtuous deeds are not only an opportunity to secure our Hereafter but also a means to attain the eternal blessings of Paradise.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, advises us to be swift in performing virtuous deeds. By doing so, we seize the opportunity to earn immense rewards and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This Hadith encourages us to be proactive in our pursuit of righteousness, not procrastinating or delaying our good actions.

When we hasten towards virtue, we demonstrate our sincerity and commitment to pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reflects our understanding of the transient nature of this worldly life and the importance of investing in our eternal Hereafter. Just as a wise person seizes a valuable opportunity without hesitation, a believer should seize the opportunity to perform righteous deeds.

The consequences of heeding Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice are profound. By hastening towards virtue, we not only secure our Hereafter but also experience the blessings and tranquility that come with leading a righteous life. Our actions become a means of purification and spiritual growth, strengthening our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should ask ourselves: Are we actively seeking opportunities to perform virtuous deeds? Are we seizing the chances presented to us to do good? Let us strive to be like Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his unwavering commitment to righteousness and his swift response to the call of duty.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of hastening towards virtue. It urges us to be proactive in performing righteous deeds, as they are not only an opportunity to secure our Hereafter but also a means to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the eternal blessings of Paradise. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be swift in our pursuit of goodness and bless us with success in this life and the Hereafter.