Hadith #7663

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الفعل الجميل ينبئ عن علو الهمة

which translates to

Beautiful action indicates strong determination [and earnest effort].

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (fa'l) "فعل" in this Hadith refers to action or deed. It encompasses all types of actions, whether they are physical, verbal, or even internal. It emphasizes the importance of engaging in righteous actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These actions should be performed with sincerity and devotion, reflecting the true essence of faith.

The term (al-jameel) "الجميل" means beautiful or good. It signifies actions that are morally upright, virtuous, and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. These actions are characterized by kindness, compassion, honesty, and justice. They bring about positive outcomes and have a lasting impact on individuals and society as a whole.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that such beautiful actions

ينبئ عن علو الهمة

which can be translated as

indicate strong determination [and earnest effort].

This implies that engaging in beautiful actions requires a high level of motivation, willpower, and commitment. It reflects the strength of one's character and the depth of their faith.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For instance, in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and advise each other to truth and advise each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of both belief and righteous actions. It highlights that true believers not only have faith but also actively engage in good deeds and encourage others to do the same.

Another verse that complements the meaning of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:35), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.

This verse encourages Muslims to fear Allah, seek His pleasure, and make a sincere effort to strive in His cause. It emphasizes the importance of taking practical steps towards righteousness and exerting oneself in the pursuit of good deeds.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that beautiful actions are not merely superficial acts, but rather they reflect the inner state of a person's heart and their level of determination. When we engage in beautiful actions, we demonstrate our commitment to living a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These actions have far-reaching consequences, not only benefiting ourselves but also positively impacting those around us.

For example, when we perform acts of kindness, such as helping the needy, visiting the sick, or being respectful towards our parents, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also inspire others to follow suit. Our beautiful actions become a means of spreading goodness and righteousness in society.

Furthermore, engaging in beautiful actions requires a strong sense of determination and earnest effort. It is not always easy to do what is right, especially when faced with challenges or temptations. However, when we have a high level of determination, we are able to overcome obstacles and persist in doing good. This determination stems from our unwavering faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our deep understanding of the rewards that await us in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of engaging in beautiful actions that reflect our strong determination and earnest effort. These actions are not only pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but they also have a profound impact on our own spiritual growth and the betterment of society. Let us strive to embody this teaching in our daily lives and become beacons of light, spreading goodness and righteousness wherever we go. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform beautiful actions and strengthen our determination to do what is right.