Hadith #7656

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Good action is the mark [and distinguishing quality] of the believer.

This wise utterance emphasizes the significance of righteous deeds in the life of a true believer. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, drawing upon the guidance of the Quran.

The word (amal) "عَمَلُ" in Arabic refers to action or deed. It encompasses all acts, whether they are physical, verbal, or even intentions. It signifies the manifestation of one's faith through practical actions. The word (shi'ar) "شِعَارُ" means a mark or a distinguishing quality. It highlights the importance of good actions as a distinguishing characteristic of a believer.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of good deeds in the life of a believer. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse from the Quran emphasizes that true righteousness lies not in mere rituals or outward displays, but in the sincere belief in Allah and the subsequent actions that stem from that belief. It encompasses acts of charity, fulfilling promises, patience in times of difficulty, and establishing prayer. These actions are the embodiment of faith and serve as a distinguishing mark of a true believer.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 1-3:

Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive, and they who turn away from ill speech.

This verse highlights the importance of humility and sincerity in prayer, as well as abstaining from engaging in harmful or idle speech. It reminds us that good actions are not limited to acts of worship alone, but also encompass our interactions and behavior in our daily lives. The mark of a true believer is their commitment to righteousness in all aspects of life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize and focus on performing good deeds. It encourages us to reflect upon our actions and ensure that they align with the teachings of Islam. Good actions not only benefit others but also purify our souls and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

When a believer consistently engages in acts of kindness, generosity, honesty, and compassion, it becomes a distinguishing quality that sets them apart from others. Good actions have the power to inspire and influence those around us, creating a positive ripple effect in society.

Moreover, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that faith is not merely a matter of belief confined to the heart, but it must be manifested through our actions. It is through our deeds that we demonstrate our devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our commitment to following the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize and focus on performing good actions. It highlights the importance of aligning our beliefs with our deeds, as true righteousness lies in the sincere manifestation of faith through practical actions. By consistently engaging in acts of kindness, generosity, and righteousness, we not only benefit ourselves but also become a source of inspiration and guidance for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody this noble teaching and become true believers marked by our good actions.