Hadith #7684

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

بِالعَمَلِ يَحْصُلُ الثَّوابُ لابِالكَسَلِ۔

This can be translated as,

It is by action, not laziness, that reward is gained.

This profound statement emphasizes the importance of actively engaging in righteous deeds and avoiding laziness in order to attain the rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-'amal) "العَمَلِ" refers to action or deed, while (ath-thawab) "الثَّوابُ" signifies reward or recompense. Lastly, (al-kasal) "الكَسَلِ" denotes laziness or slothfulness.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteous actions and warns against laziness and inactivity. For instance, in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the significance of both belief and righteous actions. It emphasizes that merely having faith is not sufficient; one must also actively engage in good deeds. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277), Allah states,

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

Here, Allah emphasizes the correlation between belief, righteous actions, and the attainment of rewards. It is through the combination of faith and good deeds that one can secure their reward from Allah. These verses from the Quran beautifully align with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the provided Hadith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that rewards are not obtained through laziness or inaction. Merely desiring rewards or having good intentions is not enough; we must actively strive to perform righteous deeds. This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, charity, and seeking knowledge, with sincerity and dedication.

The consequences of following this Hadith are profound. By actively engaging in righteous actions, we not only earn rewards in this world but also in the Hereafter. Our actions become a means of purification and a source of spiritual growth. Moreover, our good deeds inspire others and contribute to the betterment of society. On the other hand, laziness and inactivity lead to stagnation and a loss of opportunities for spiritual growth and reward.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-discipline, perseverance, and consistency in our actions. We should strive to overcome laziness and procrastination, for they hinder our progress on the path of righteousness. By consistently engaging in good deeds, we strengthen our relationship with Allah and increase our chances of attaining His mercy and rewards.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of action and the avoidance of laziness in attaining rewards. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly stress the importance of righteous deeds and warn against inactivity. As Muslims, let us strive to actively engage in acts of worship and righteous actions, seeking the pleasure and rewards of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the strength and motivation to consistently perform good deeds and earn His eternal rewards.