Hadith #8386

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

No closeness is achieved through recommended actions if they hamper the obligatory actions.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our obligations over voluntary acts of worship. To better understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into its key words and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word "closeness" in the Hadith refers to attaining nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It signifies the spiritual connection and proximity that a believer seeks with their Creator. This closeness is the ultimate goal of our worship and devotion. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that this closeness cannot be achieved solely through recommended actions, such as voluntary prayers or acts of charity, if they hinder the fulfillment of our obligatory duties.

To support this understanding, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of fulfilling our obligations. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:43)

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]

This verse highlights the importance of establishing the obligatory prayers and fulfilling the duty of giving zakah. It emphasizes that these acts are essential components of our faith and should take precedence over voluntary actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 5:1)

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts

This verse emphasizes the fulfillment of our contractual obligations, whether they are financial agreements, promises, or commitments. It teaches us that fulfilling our obligations is a fundamental aspect of our faith and a means to attain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that while recommended actions hold value and can enhance our spirituality, they should never take precedence over our obligatory duties. Our obligations, such as the five daily prayers, fasting in Ramadan, paying zakah, and fulfilling our responsibilities towards others, are the foundation of our faith. Neglecting these obligations in favor of voluntary acts can lead to a distorted understanding of religion and a neglect of our core responsibilities.

For example, if a person spends excessive time engaging in voluntary acts of worship, such as prolonged voluntary prayers, but neglects their obligatory prayers, they are prioritizing the recommended over the obligatory. This imbalance can lead to a neglect of the essential pillars of Islam and a failure to fulfill the rights of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith also highlights the importance of balance in our worship. While recommended actions have their place and can enhance our spirituality, they should never hinder or compromise our obligations. Striking a balance between the obligatory and the recommended is crucial for a holistic and comprehensive approach to our faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is achieved by fulfilling our obligatory duties. While recommended actions hold value and can enhance our spirituality, they should never take precedence over our core responsibilities. Striking a balance between the obligatory and the recommended is essential for a well-rounded and fulfilling spiritual journey. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to prioritize our obligations and grant us the wisdom to engage in recommended actions in a manner that complements and strengthens our faith.