Hadith #7704

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best of your deeds are those that fulfill your duty.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (khayr) "خَيْرُ" in Arabic refers to goodness, excellence, or virtue. It encompasses all that is righteous and beneficial. (a'malika) "أعْمالِكَ" translates to "your deeds" and encompasses all actions, whether physical or spiritual, that a person performs. (ma) "ما" is a particle that signifies "that which" or "what." (qada) "قَضَى" means to fulfill or complete, while (faradaka) "فَرْضَكَ" refers to one's duty or obligation.

To understand the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83:

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling our duties towards Allah and towards others. It emphasizes the significance of worshiping Allah alone and treating our fellow human beings with kindness and compassion. By fulfilling these obligations, we are performing the best of deeds.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8:

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our duty to establish justice, even if it goes against our personal interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that Allah's commandments should take precedence over our own desires. By upholding justice and fairness, we are performing the best of deeds.

Reflecting on the exegesis of this Hadith, we can understand that the best deeds are not merely those that bring personal satisfaction or worldly gains. Rather, they are the deeds that fulfill our obligations towards Allah and towards others. These deeds are rooted in righteousness, justice, and compassion.

When we fulfill our religious duties, such as performing the obligatory prayers, giving zakah, and observing fasts, we are fulfilling our duty towards Allah. Similarly, when we fulfill our responsibilities towards our parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy, we are fulfilling our duty towards others.

The motivation behind performing these deeds should not be driven by personal gain or recognition. Instead, it should stem from a sincere desire to please Allah and seek His pleasure. The consequences of fulfilling our duties are manifold. It strengthens our relationship with Allah, purifies our souls, and brings about a positive impact on society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that the best of our deeds are those that fulfill our duty. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can strive to perform deeds that are pleasing to Allah and beneficial to humanity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best of our deeds are those that fulfill our duty towards Allah and towards others. It urges us to prioritize our religious obligations and to treat others with kindness and justice. By doing so, we can strive to attain excellence in our actions and seek the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us all to perform the best of deeds and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.