Hadith #5908

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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, "الصواب أسد الفعل" which translates to

Correctness is [performing] the most appropriate action.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their daily lives.

The word (as-sawab) "الصواب" in this Hadith refers to correctness, accuracy, or doing what is right. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to the path of righteousness and making choices that align with the teachings of Islam. It implies that there is a standard of correctness that should guide our actions and decisions.

The phrase (asadd al-fi'l) "أسد الفعل" means the most appropriate or suitable action. It signifies that correctness lies in choosing the action that is most suitable for a given situation. It highlights the importance of considering the context, consequences, and potential outcomes of our actions before making a decision.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

It is not righteousness 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 emphasizes that righteousness is not merely limited to outward acts of worship or rituals, but it encompasses a comprehensive way of life. It includes belief in Allah and the pillars of faith, as well as fulfilling our obligations towards others, such as giving charity, being honest, and showing patience in times of difficulty. This aligns with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), which emphasizes the importance of performing the most appropriate action.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 37, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.

This verse highlights that the essence of our actions lies in the sincerity and piety with which we perform them. It is not the external form or appearance that matters, but the intention and righteousness behind our actions.

Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that correctness is the most appropriate action, he is emphasizing the importance of aligning our actions with the principles of righteousness and piety. It is not about blindly following traditions or rituals, but about making choices that are in line with the teachings of Islam and that bring about positive outcomes for ourselves and others.

For example, if we are faced with a situation where we have the opportunity to help someone in need, the most appropriate action would be to extend a helping hand and provide assistance. This is in line with the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of charity and compassion towards others. By choosing this action, we are not only fulfilling our duty as Muslims but also spreading goodness and kindness in society.

On the other hand, if we were to ignore the plight of those in need and turn a blind eye to their suffering, our action would not be considered correct or appropriate. This goes against the teachings of Islam, which encourage us to be mindful of the welfare of others and to strive for justice and equality.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of performing the most appropriate action in accordance with the teachings of Islam. It emphasizes the need for righteousness, sincerity, and piety in our actions. By aligning our choices with the principles of Islam, we can strive to be true believers and fulfill our responsibilities towards ourselves, our fellow human beings, and our Creator. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of correctness and righteousness.