Hadith #6374

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Little that is practiced continually is better than [doing] a lot that makes one weary.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of consistency and moderation in our actions and worship. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (qalilun) "قَليلٌ" in the Hadith refers to a small amount or quantity. It signifies the idea of performing an action in a limited manner. On the other hand, the word (kathir) "كَثير" means a large amount or quantity. It implies doing something in abundance or excess. The term (mamlul) "مَمْلُول" in the Hadith translates to becoming weary or burdened. It signifies the feeling of exhaustion or fatigue that arises from excessive actions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:170), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when We shook the mountain over them as if it were a canopy, and they thought it would fall upon them, [We said], 'Take what We have given you with determination and remember what is in it that you might fear Allah and obey.'

This verse highlights the importance of taking what Allah has given us with determination and consistency. It emphasizes the quality of our actions over their quantity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.

This verse encourages us to avoid engaging in excessive and harmful activities. It highlights the importance of moderation and balance in our actions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that performing a small amount of good deeds consistently is more beneficial than engaging in excessive acts that lead to weariness and exhaustion. It encourages us to adopt a balanced approach in our worship and daily activities.

For example, let's consider the act of prayer. It is better to perform the obligatory prayers consistently and with full concentration, rather than praying excessively to the point of exhaustion and neglecting the quality of our prayers. By maintaining regularity and focus in our prayers, we develop a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and cultivate a sense of tranquility and peace within ourselves.

Similarly, in our daily lives, it is more beneficial to engage in acts of kindness and charity consistently, even if they are small in quantity, rather than sporadically performing grand gestures that may lead to burnout. By consistently practicing acts of kindness, we create a positive impact on those around us and develop a habit of compassion and empathy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of consistency and moderation in our actions. It reminds us that performing a small amount of good deeds consistently is more valuable than engaging in excessive acts that lead to weariness and exhaustion. By following this guidance, we can cultivate a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and beneficial to ourselves and others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement these teachings in our lives.