Hadith #1037

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of practicing what one preaches and being consistent in one's actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be proactive in promoting goodness and righteousness, while also ensuring that we ourselves are actively engaged in those same actions.

Let us delve into the key words and concepts in this Hadith. The word (amiran) "آمِراً" means to invite or command, while (bil-ma'ruf) "بالمَعْروفِ" refers to acts of virtue, righteousness, and goodness. (aamilan) "عاملاً" means to act upon or practice, and (bihi) "بِهِ" signifies doing so with sincerity and dedication.

On the other hand, the phrase (ya'muru bihi wa yan'a anhu)

يَأمُرُ بِِهِ ويَنْأى عَنْهُ

highlights the contradiction between commanding others to do good while neglecting to do it oneself. This is a warning against hypocrisy and insincerity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us that such behavior not only leads to committing a sin but also incurs the displeasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 61:2-3)

O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do

This verse emphasizes the importance of aligning our words with our actions and warns against the consequences of hypocrisy.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 61:2-3)

O you who have believed, why do you say that which you do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do

This verse reinforces the message of the Hadith and highlights the severity of hypocrisy in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to be consistent in their actions and to lead by example. It urges us to be actively engaged in promoting goodness and righteousness, rather than merely preaching it. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also inspire others to follow suit.

For instance, if we encourage others to be honest and upright in their dealings, we must ensure that we ourselves are practicing honesty in all aspects of our lives. If we advocate for kindness and compassion, we must embody these qualities in our interactions with others. By aligning our words and actions, we become a source of inspiration and guidance for those around us.

Conversely, if we command others to do good while neglecting to do it ourselves, we risk falling into hypocrisy. This not only undermines our credibility but also leads to sin and the displeasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Hypocrisy is condemned in Islam, as it contradicts the principles of sincerity and integrity that are essential to our faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be consistent in their actions and to practice what they preach. It urges us to be proactive in promoting goodness and righteousness, while also ensuring that we ourselves are actively engaged in those same actions. By aligning our words and actions, we become true ambassadors of Islam and fulfill our duty as believers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these teachings and inspire others through our actions.