Hadith #10382

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling obligatory duties before engaging in voluntary acts of worship. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily if you contravene this division [and allotment of specific times for specific deeds] then the supererogatory acts you perform do not take the place of the obligatory that you have neglected.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (akhaltaha) "أخْلَلْتَها" refers to contravening or going against the prescribed division or allotment. The term (taqseem) "التَّقْسِيمِ" refers to the division or allotment of specific times for specific deeds. The word (nawafil) "نَوافِلُ" refers to supererogatory acts, which are voluntary acts of worship. And the term (faraid) "فَرائِضَ" refers to obligatory acts, which are the religious duties that Muslims are obligated to perform.

To understand the significance of fulfilling obligatory duties before engaging in voluntary acts, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:43),

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling the obligatory acts of prayer and giving zakah before engaging in other acts of worship.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ma'arij (70:22-23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who are constant in their prayers, and in whose wealth there is a recognized right for the petitioner and the deprived. And those who believe in the Day of Recompense.

These verses emphasize the importance of fulfilling the obligatory acts of prayer and fulfilling the rights of others before engaging in other acts of worship.

The wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement is profound. By prioritizing the fulfillment of obligatory duties, we demonstrate our obedience and submission to Allah's commands. Neglecting these obligations in favor of voluntary acts can lead to a disregard for the fundamental pillars of Islam. It is essential to establish a strong foundation by fulfilling our obligations before engaging in additional acts of worship.

For example, if someone neglects their obligatory prayers and instead focuses solely on performing voluntary acts, they are essentially disregarding the core of their faith. The voluntary acts, while commendable, cannot replace the obligatory prayers that have been neglected. The obligatory acts hold a higher status and are the foundation upon which our faith is built.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their obligations and not become engrossed solely in voluntary acts. By fulfilling our obligations, we strengthen our relationship with Allah and ensure the proper functioning of society. Neglecting these obligations can have detrimental consequences, both individually and collectively.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling obligatory duties before engaging in voluntary acts of worship. This principle is supported by Quranic verses that highlight the significance of prioritizing the fulfillment of obligations. By adhering to this guidance, we establish a strong foundation for our faith and ensure the proper functioning of our religious practices. May Allah guide us to fulfill our obligations and grant us the ability to engage in voluntary acts of worship with sincerity and devotion.