Hadith #6376

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

قَليلٌ يَدُومُ خَيْرٌ مِنْ كَثير مُنْقَطِع۔

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of consistency and continuity, suggesting that a little good that is maintained over time is more beneficial than a large amount of good that is sporadic or inconsistent.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words and their implications. The word (qalil) "قَليلٌ" means "little" or "few," while (kathir) "كَثير" means "a lot" or "many." (yadum) "يَدُومُ" signifies continuity or permanence, while (munqati) "مُنْقَطِع" refers to something that is discontinuous or intermittent.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of consistency and steadfastness in matters of faith and good deeds. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:24),

So hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

This verse highlights the need for continuous efforts towards seeking forgiveness and righteousness, as opposed to sporadic or occasional acts.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:35), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving consistently in the cause of Allah, rather than engaging in occasional or intermittent efforts.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize consistency and continuity in their actions. It encourages us to focus on maintaining a small amount of good deeds consistently, rather than sporadically engaging in a large number of good deeds.

For example, imagine a person who prays Tahajjud (night prayer) every night, even if it is just two units of prayer. Their consistent effort, even though it may seem small, is more valuable than someone who occasionally prays a large number of units but fails to maintain continuity. The former person's consistent devotion and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will have a greater impact on their spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

Similarly, in the realm of charity, a person who consistently donates a small amount of money every month to a charitable cause is demonstrating a commitment to helping others. Their continuous giving, even if it is a modest amount, is more beneficial than someone who sporadically donates a large sum but fails to maintain regularity.

In essence, this Hadith teaches us the value of consistency and perseverance in our actions. It reminds us that even small, consistent efforts can have a profound impact on our spiritual growth and the well-being of others. By prioritizing continuity in our good deeds, we establish a strong foundation for our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and ensure that our actions are sustained and meaningful.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to cultivate consistency in our worship and good deeds, and may He accept our efforts and bless us with His mercy and guidance.