Hadith #1496

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, "البِرُّ عَمَلٌ مُصْلِحٌ۔" This can be translated as,

The righteous act is an action that reforms.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. "Al-Bir" refers to righteousness or piety, which encompasses all acts of obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It includes acts of worship, moral conduct, and fulfilling one's obligations towards Allah and His creation. "Amal" refers to action or deed, indicating that righteousness is not merely a state of the heart but is manifested through one's actions. "Muslih" means that which reforms or rectifies, highlighting the transformative nature of a righteous act.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of righteous actions and their transformative effects. For example, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that righteousness is the criterion by which Allah distinguishes between individuals, emphasizing the significance of righteous actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 emphasizes that righteousness is not limited to mere rituals or outward displays, but it encompasses a comprehensive set of actions that benefit both individuals and society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the transformative power of righteous actions. A righteous act is not only an act of obedience to Allah, but it also has the potential to bring about positive change and reform in various aspects of life. For example, acts of charity and kindness towards others can alleviate poverty, provide support to the needy, and foster a sense of compassion and unity within society. Similarly, acts of justice and fairness can rectify social injustices and promote harmony and equality.

Moreover, righteous actions have a profound impact on the individual's spiritual growth and development. When a person consistently engages in righteous deeds, they purify their soul, strengthen their connection with Allah, and attain spiritual elevation. As Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:45),

Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.

This verse highlights that righteous actions, such as establishing prayer, serve as a safeguard against immorality and wrongdoing.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that righteousness is not confined to mere rituals or empty gestures. Rather, it encompasses all actions that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and have a positive impact on individuals and society. By engaging in righteous deeds, we not only fulfill our obligations towards Allah but also contribute to the betterment of our communities. May Allah guide us to perform righteous actions that bring about positive change and reform.