Hadith #4762

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

مَنْ عَمِلَ بِالسَّدادِ مَلَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who acts aptly, acquires [success].

In this Hadith, the word (saddad) "سَدَاد" is of particular importance. Saddad is derived from the root word (saddada) "صَدَدَ", which means to act with sincerity, righteousness, and correctness. It refers to the act of performing deeds in a manner that is upright, honest, and in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:56),

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of acting with sincerity and righteousness, as it is a means of seeking the mercy of Allah. By acting aptly and avoiding corruption, we can contribute to the betterment of society and earn the blessings of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:51), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O messengers, eat from the good foods and work righteousness. Indeed, I, of what you do, am Knowing.

This verse highlights the significance of performing righteous deeds alongside consuming lawful provisions. It emphasizes that acting aptly is not limited to acts of worship, but also extends to our daily actions and interactions. By engaging in righteous deeds, we not only please Allah but also attain success in this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to strive for excellence in their actions. By acting with sincerity and righteousness, we can attain success in various aspects of our lives. This success is not limited to material gains but encompasses spiritual growth, emotional well-being, and the development of a strong moral character.

For example, if a Muslim is honest and just in their business dealings, they will earn the trust and respect of others. This will lead to a successful and prosperous business, as people are more likely to engage in transactions with someone they trust. Similarly, if a Muslim is sincere and kind in their relationships, they will cultivate strong and harmonious connections with others, leading to a fulfilling and successful social life.

Moreover, acting aptly has far-reaching consequences beyond individual success. When Muslims collectively strive for righteousness, they contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society. This aligns with the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of social justice, equality, and the well-being of all members of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of acting aptly in all aspects of our lives. By embodying sincerity, righteousness, and correctness in our actions, we can attain success and earn the pleasure of Allah. This success encompasses both worldly achievements and spiritual growth. Let us strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), particularly his profound knowledge and commitment to acting aptly, so that we may be among those who acquire true success. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.