Hadith #3397

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May 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:

اِفْعَلُوا الخَيْرَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ، فَخَيْرٌ مِنَ الخَيرِ فاعِلُهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds to the best of our abilities. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (do) "اِفْعَلُوا" is a command verb in Arabic, urging Muslims to engage in acts of goodness and righteousness. It is a call to action, encouraging us to actively seek opportunities to do good in our lives. This command is not limited to a specific time or place but encompasses all aspects of our existence.

The word (good) "الخَيْرَ" refers to any action that is morally upright, beneficial, and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. It encompasses acts of charity, kindness, justice, and compassion towards others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of doing good deeds in the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good.'

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states, (as much as you can) "مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ", highlighting the flexibility and adaptability of performing good deeds. This phrase acknowledges that each individual has different capacities and abilities. It encourages Muslims to do good deeds to the best of their abilities, taking into account their circumstances, capabilities, and resources. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) affirms this in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

The second part of the Hadith states, (for better than the good deed is the one who does it)

فَخَيْرٌ مِنَ الخَيرِ فاعِلُهُ

This phrase emphasizes the importance of sincerity and intention in performing good deeds. It reminds Muslims that the value of a good deed lies not only in the action itself but also in the purity of the heart and the intention behind it. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of sincerity in the Quran. In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:61), Allah says,

And they who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand that it encourages Muslims to actively engage in acts of goodness and righteousness, regardless of their capacity. It reminds us that the value of a good deed is not solely in its magnitude but also in the sincerity and intention behind it. It motivates us to continuously strive to do better and to improve ourselves in our pursuit of righteousness.

By following the teachings of this Hadith, Muslims can create a positive impact on society and contribute to the betterment of humanity. It reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness and goodness can have profound consequences. It encourages us to be proactive in seeking opportunities to do good and to continuously strive to improve ourselves.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform good deeds to the best of our abilities and accept them from us with sincerity. May we be among those who are constantly striving to do better and make a positive difference in the world. Ameen.