Hadith #3393

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,

أعْجَلُ الخَيْرِ ثَواباً البِرُّ۔

This can be translated as,

The good deed that brings the quickest reward is piety.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (khayr) "خَيْرِ" refers to goodness or righteousness, while (thawaban) "ثَواباً" means reward. Finally, (al-birr) "البِرُّ" translates to piety or righteousness.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteousness and piety. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197, Allah says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is righteousness.

This verse highlights the significance of piety as the ultimate provision for our journey in this world and the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13, Allah states,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness, highlighting the importance of piety in the eyes of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement underscores the idea that the good deed which brings the quickest reward is none other than piety. This means that acts of righteousness, such as fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and His creation, are not only rewarded in the hereafter but also bring immediate benefits in this world.

For example, when we strive to establish a strong connection with Allah through acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, we experience a sense of tranquility and inner peace. This inner peace is a reward in itself, as it brings solace to our hearts and minds, shielding us from the anxieties and stresses of life.

Moreover, piety also has a positive impact on our relationships with others. When we embody righteousness in our interactions, treating others with kindness, compassion, and justice, we foster harmonious relationships and build a strong community. This, in turn, brings about a sense of fulfillment and contentment, which can be considered as rewards in this world.

However, it is important to note that the ultimate reward for piety lies in the hereafter. Allah promises numerous rewards for those who strive to be righteous. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 136, Allah says,

Those who have believed and done righteous deeds - for them is forgiveness and noble provision.

This verse highlights the forgiveness and abundant provision that await those who lead a life of piety.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the significance of piety and righteousness in Islam. It emphasizes that the good deed which brings the quickest reward is none other than piety. By embodying righteousness in our actions and interactions, we not only reap immediate benefits in this world but also secure eternal rewards in the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to lead lives of piety and righteousness.