Hadith #4865

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

مَنْ حَسُنَتْ مَساعيهِ طابَتْ مَراعيهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the correlation between one's efforts in this world and their ultimate destination in the Hereafter. Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hasunat) "حَسُنَتْ" in the Hadith refers to good or righteous deeds. It encompasses all acts of obedience and worship that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These include acts of charity, prayer, fasting, and other forms of worship prescribed in Islam. The word (masa'iy) "مَساعيهِ" refers to one's efforts or endeavors in performing these righteous deeds. It highlights the importance of striving and exerting oneself in the pursuit of goodness.

The phrase (tabat mara'iy) "طابَتْ مَراعيهِ" in the Hadith means that the place or destination of the individual in the Hereafter will be good. It signifies the reward and recompense that awaits those who engage in righteous deeds and strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This reward is not limited to material or worldly gains, but rather it encompasses the eternal bliss and felicity in the Hereafter.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:30),

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of any who did well in deeds.

This verse affirms that those who believe in Allah and perform righteous deeds will be rewarded accordingly, and their efforts will not go in vain.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's assistance and guidance in our endeavors, as it is only through His support that our efforts can bear fruit.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it emphasizes the significance of actively engaging in righteous deeds and striving to excel in them. Merely having good intentions is not sufficient; we must translate our intentions into actions and exert ourselves in performing acts of worship and obedience to Allah.

Secondly, the Hadith reminds us that our efforts in this world have a direct impact on our ultimate destination in the Hereafter. If we consistently engage in good deeds and strive to please Allah, our place in the Hereafter will be one of goodness and reward. Conversely, if we neglect our obligations and indulge in sinful behavior, we risk a negative outcome in the Hereafter.

Lastly, this Hadith serves as a motivation for believers to continuously improve themselves and strive for excellence in their worship. It encourages us to go beyond the minimum requirements and seek opportunities to perform additional acts of righteousness. By doing so, we can enhance our spiritual growth and increase our chances of attaining a good place in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of striving and exerting oneself in performing righteous deeds. It reminds us that our efforts in this world have a direct impact on our ultimate destination in the Hereafter. By engaging in good deeds and seeking Allah's pleasure, we can secure a place of goodness and reward in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to consistently engage in righteous deeds and bless us with a good place in the Hereafter.