Hadith #2500

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاتَزْكُو الصَّنيعَةُ مَعَ غَيْرِ أصيل۔

This can be translated as,

Goodness does not thrive with the ignoble.

Let us delve into the essence and implications of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (sani'ah) "صَّنيعَةُ" in this Hadith refers to goodness, righteousness, or virtuous deeds. It encompasses all acts of piety and righteousness that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (asil) "أصيل" means noble or genuine. It signifies the purity and authenticity of the individual or the source from which the goodness emanates.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45),

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse illustrates the transient nature of worldly possessions and accomplishments. Just as rainwater mixes with the earth and eventually dries up, goodness that is not rooted in noble intentions and sincere faith will not endure. It may appear fruitful and flourishing for a while, but it will eventually wither away and be scattered by the winds of time.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:27), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) narrates the story of the two sons of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), where one brother's offering was accepted and the other's was not. The accepted offering was from the son who had sincerity and righteousness in his heart, while the rejected offering was from the son who had envy and disobedience in his heart. This story emphasizes the importance of purity of intention and sincerity in our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that true goodness and righteousness can only thrive when it is accompanied by noble intentions and a genuine connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is not enough to merely perform good deeds outwardly; we must also cultivate sincerity, humility, and a deep-rooted faith within ourselves.

When our actions are rooted in genuine piety, they bear fruits that are long-lasting and beneficial. Our acts of worship, charity, and kindness become a means of drawing closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attaining His pleasure. They become a source of inspiration and guidance for others, motivating them to follow the path of righteousness.

On the other hand, when our actions are devoid of sincerity and noble intentions, they become superficial and hollow. They may bring temporary praise and recognition from others, but they lack the spiritual depth and lasting impact that comes from a genuine connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that true goodness and righteousness can only thrive when it is accompanied by noble intentions and a genuine connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is not enough to merely perform good deeds outwardly; we must also cultivate sincerity, humility, and a deep-rooted faith within ourselves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to purify our intentions and strive for goodness with sincerity.