Hadith #11370

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose actions are free from vain desire, his effect [and result] is good in every matter.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of purifying our intentions and aligning our actions with the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word (ariya) "عَرِيَ" in the Hadith refers to being free from vain desire or whims. It implies restraining oneself from following base desires and inclinations that may lead to sinful actions. This word highlights the need for self-control and discipline in our lives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 79:40)

And whoever restrains his soul from vain desires, then surely Paradise will be his abode.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and the reward that awaits those who resist their whims.

The phrase (amaluhu) "عَمَلُهُ" in the Hadith refers to one's actions. It signifies the deeds that we perform in our daily lives. The Hadith teaches us that when our actions are free from vain desires, they have a positive and beneficial impact on every matter. This means that when we align our actions with the teachings of Islam and purify our intentions, our efforts will bear good results in all aspects of our lives.

The Quran provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified this principle in their actions. Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a prime example of someone who resisted his desires and remained steadfast in his faith. When he was tempted by the wife of his master, he said, (Quran 12:33)

Indeed, my Lord has made prison better for me than what they invite me to.

Prophet Yusuf's refusal to succumb to his desires not only protected him from sin but also led to his eventual rise to power and honor.

Similarly, the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplifies the principle of aligning actions with pure intentions. When he was commanded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to sacrifice his son, he willingly submitted to the divine command without hesitation. His unwavering obedience and sincerity in his actions led to the ultimate reward of being declared as the friend of Allah. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 37:102)

And when his son was old enough to walk with him, [Abraham] said, 'O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.' He said, 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.'

The consequences of aligning our actions with pure intentions are far-reaching. When we strive to purify our intentions and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do, we not only protect ourselves from sin but also become a source of goodness and benefit to others. Our actions become a means of spreading righteousness and inspiring others to follow the path of Islam. This Hadith reminds us that our actions have a ripple effect, influencing not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-discipline and sincerity in our actions. By purifying our intentions and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam, we can ensure that our efforts bear good results in every matter. Let us strive to free ourselves from vain desires and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do, so that our actions may have a positive impact on ourselves and the Muslim community as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to live by the principles outlined in this Hadith.