Hadith #7622

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The [most] righteous companion is righteous action.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of good deeds and their impact on our spiritual journey. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (Qareen) "قَرِين" refers to a companion or a close associate. In this context, it signifies the inner self or the soul that accompanies a person throughout their life. The term (Salih) "صَالِح" means righteous or virtuous, indicating actions that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteous actions and their impact on our spiritual growth. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah says,

Righteousness is not 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 highlights that righteousness is not merely confined to external rituals or appearances, but it encompasses a comprehensive approach to life. It encompasses belief in Allah, the Day of Judgment, and the Prophets. It also includes acts of charity, fulfilling promises, patience during hardships, and establishing prayer and giving zakah. These actions are the embodiment of righteousness and are the true companions of a believer.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Asr, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 103:1-3)

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 emphasizes the importance of righteous actions and the significance of advising one another towards truth and patience. It reminds us that the righteous companions are those who not only perform good deeds themselves but also encourage and guide others towards righteousness.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize that it serves as a reminder that our actions are the true measure of our righteousness. It is not enough to simply claim faith or perform rituals; we must embody our beliefs through our deeds. Our actions should reflect our commitment to Islam, our love for Allah, and our dedication to following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

By prioritizing righteous actions, we cultivate a strong connection with Allah and strengthen our spiritual journey. Our good deeds become our constant companions, guiding us towards the path of righteousness and earning us the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They have a transformative effect on our character, purifying our souls and elevating our status in the sight of Allah.

Conversely, neglecting righteous actions can lead us astray and distance us from Allah's mercy. It is through our actions that we demonstrate our sincerity and devotion to Allah. Therefore, we must strive to make our actions righteous, seeking Allah's pleasure and the betterment of our own souls.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder that the most righteous companion we can have is our own righteous actions. It emphasizes the importance of embodying our beliefs through our deeds and striving for righteousness in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we strengthen our connection with Allah, purify our souls, and pave the way for eternal success in the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to be steadfast in performing righteous actions and may He accept our efforts.