Hadith #1039

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who enjoins good strengthens the backs of the believers.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of enjoining good and promoting virtuous actions among the Muslim community. Let us delve deeper into the words and meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (amila) "عَمِلَ" in Arabic means "to do" or "to perform." It signifies taking action and engaging in righteous deeds. The word (al-ma'ruf) "المَعرُوفِ" refers to that which is recognized as good and virtuous in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses all acts of kindness, justice, and righteousness that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

The phrase (shadda zuhur al-mu'minin) "شَدَّ ظُهُورَ المُؤمِنينَ" can be translated as

strengthens the backs of the believers.

This metaphorical expression implies that enjoining good has a positive impact on the unity, strength, and resilience of the Muslim community. When individuals actively promote virtuous actions, it creates a sense of solidarity and support among the believers.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of enjoining good and forbidding evil. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:104),

And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.

This verse highlights the role of the Muslim community in inviting others towards goodness and righteousness. By enjoining good and forbidding evil, Muslims become a source of guidance and inspiration for others. This not only benefits individuals on a personal level but also strengthens the collective spirit of the believers.

Another verse that supports the concept of enjoining good can be found in Surah Al-Hajj (22:41), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give Zakah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. And to Allah belongs the outcome of all matters.

This verse highlights that enjoining good and forbidding evil is not limited to individual actions but extends to societal responsibilities as well. It emphasizes that those who are entrusted with authority should establish prayer, give Zakah, and actively promote righteousness in their communities. By doing so, they contribute to the well-being and prosperity of society as a whole.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by emphasizing the significance of enjoining good. It reminds us that by actively promoting virtuous actions, we not only benefit ourselves but also strengthen the unity and resilience of the Muslim community.

When individuals enjoin good, they inspire others to follow the path of righteousness. This leads to a ripple effect, where the collective efforts of the believers create a positive and virtuous environment. It motivates individuals to strive for excellence in their actions and encourages them to support one another in their journey towards Allah's pleasure.

Conversely, neglecting the duty of enjoining good can have detrimental consequences. It can lead to the spread of evil, corruption, and moral decay within society. By remaining passive and indifferent to the wrongdoings around us, we risk weakening the fabric of our community and compromising our own spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of enjoining good and promoting virtuous actions among the Muslim community. By actively engaging in righteous deeds, we strengthen the unity and resilience of the believers. Let us strive to be individuals who inspire others towards goodness, and collectively work towards creating a society that upholds the values and teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.