Hadith #1754

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The price of Paradise is good deeds.

This amazing Hadith highlights the importance of righteous actions in attaining the ultimate reward of Paradise. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word (thamanu) "ثَمَنُ" in Arabic refers to the price or cost of something. It signifies that Paradise is not easily attainable; rather, it requires effort and dedication. The word (al-Jannah) "الجَنَّةِ" refers to Paradise, the eternal abode of bliss and happiness promised to the righteous believers.

The phrase (al-'amal al-salih) "العَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ" translates to good deeds. It encompasses all acts of righteousness and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These include acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as well as acts of kindness, honesty, and justice towards others.

The Quran emphasizes the significance of good deeds in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:82),

But those who believe and do righteous deeds - those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally.

This verse clearly establishes the link between faith and good deeds as prerequisites for entering Paradise.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 assures us that every good deed, no matter how small, will be rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and will not go unnoticed.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that Paradise cannot be attained merely through verbal declarations of faith. It requires consistent and sincere efforts in performing good deeds. This Hadith motivates us to actively engage in acts of worship and righteousness, knowing that they hold immense value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of neglecting good deeds are highlighted in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-Asr (103:2-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse reminds us that those who fail to engage in good deeds are at a loss in this world and the Hereafter.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we realize that our actions have a direct impact on our ultimate destination. It is not enough to simply claim belief; we must manifest it through our deeds. Every act of kindness, every prayer performed with sincerity, and every effort made to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) brings us closer to the eternal bliss of Paradise.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize good deeds in their lives. It emphasizes that Paradise is not easily attained, but rather requires consistent effort and dedication. By engaging in righteous actions, we not only fulfill our purpose as believers but also secure the eternal reward promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform good deeds and enter the everlasting bliss of Paradise.