Hadith #3548

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he compares the one who supplicates without taking any action to a bow without a bowstring. To understand the depth and significance of this analogy, let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (daa'i) "دَّاعي" refers to the one who supplicates or calls upon Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in prayer or in any form of worship. This includes making du'a, seeking forgiveness, or asking for blessings. The word (bila) "بِلا" means without or lacking, indicating the absence of something. (amal) "عَمَل" means action or deed, which encompasses all acts of obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares the one who supplicates without taking any action to a bow without a bowstring. Just as a bow without a bowstring is incapable of shooting an arrow and fulfilling its purpose, similarly, a person who only supplicates without accompanying their prayers with righteous actions is incomplete and unable to achieve the desired results.

This analogy highlights the importance of combining supplication with action in order to attain the desired outcomes. Islam emphasizes the concept of "amal" or righteous deeds, as they are a manifestation of faith and a means of drawing closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran:

(Quran 16:97)

Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of combining faith with righteous actions. It is not enough to simply supplicate and make requests to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but one must also strive to perform good deeds and fulfill their obligations as a Muslim.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is:

(Quran 13:11)

Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.

This verse highlights the principle that change and improvement in one's life and circumstances are contingent upon personal effort and action. Merely supplicating for change without taking any steps towards it will not yield the desired results.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) analogy serves as a reminder to Muslims that supplication alone is not sufficient. While it is important to turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in prayer and seek His help and guidance, it is equally important to actively engage in righteous actions that align with the teachings of Islam.

By combining supplication with action, Muslims can strive to become better individuals, contribute positively to society, and fulfill their obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and their fellow human beings. It is through this holistic approach that one can truly embody the teachings of Islam and experience the transformative power of faith.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to supplicate with sincerity and accompany our prayers with righteous actions. May He grant us the wisdom and strength to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. And may He bless us with His mercy and forgiveness in this world and the Hereafter.