Hadith #7774

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

لاذُخْرَ أنْفَعُ مِنْ صالِحِ العَمَلِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the significance and superiority of righteous deeds as a provision for the hereafter. Let us delve into the exegesis of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (dhuhr) "ذُخْرَ" in this Hadith refers to provision or sustenance. It encompasses all that we accumulate and carry with us in this worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting that among all the provisions we gather, there is none more beneficial and valuable than (salih al-amal) "صالِحِ العَمَلِ", which translates to righteous deeds.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the importance of righteous deeds as the most beneficial provision for the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46),

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes that while worldly possessions and relationships may bring temporary adornment, it is the enduring good deeds that hold true value in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, [it will be said], 'Your good tidings today are [of] gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally.' That is what is the great attainment.

This verse highlights that on the Day of Judgment, the righteous believers will be distinguished by the light of their good deeds, which will lead them to eternal bliss in Paradise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the true measure of success lies in the quality of our deeds rather than the quantity of our possessions. It encourages us to prioritize righteous actions and intentions in all aspects of our lives. By engaging in acts of worship, showing kindness and compassion to others, and upholding moral values, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous and fulfilling hereafter.

The motivation behind this Hadith is to instill a sense of responsibility and accountability within Muslims. It reminds us that our actions in this world have consequences in the hereafter. By focusing on righteous deeds, we are actively seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving to attain His mercy and forgiveness.

The consequences of neglecting righteous deeds are highlighted in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:103-104), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

But those whose scales are light - those are the ones who have lost their souls, [being] in Hell, abiding eternally. The Fire will sear their faces, and they therein will have taut smiles.

This serves as a stark reminder that neglecting righteous deeds can lead to a loss of eternal happiness and a painful punishment in the hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense value and significance of righteous deeds in our journey towards the hereafter. It encourages us to constantly evaluate our actions and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. By prioritizing righteous deeds, we can strive to attain the ultimate provision that will benefit us in this life and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to prioritize and engage in righteous deeds, and may He accept our efforts and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.