Hadith #2203

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The reckoning is before the punishment and the reward is after the reckoning.

This impactful Hadith highlights the order and justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in dealing with His creation. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hisaab) "حِساب" in Arabic refers to the process of accountability and reckoning. It signifies that every action, whether good or bad, will be accounted for and evaluated by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This concept is emphasized in the Quran in various verses. Allah says in Surah Al-Isra (17:13),

And [for] every person We have imposed his fate upon his neck, and We will produce for him on the Day of Resurrection a record which he will encounter spread open.

This verse highlights the individual responsibility of every human being and the record of their deeds that will be presented on the Day of Judgment.

The word (iqaab) "عِقَاب" in Arabic refers to punishment or retribution. It represents the consequences that individuals will face for their actions. The Quran frequently mentions the concept of punishment for those who commit evil deeds. For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:178), Allah says,

And let not those who disbelieve think that Our postponing of their punishment is good for them. We postpone the punishment only so that they may increase in sinfulness. And for them is a humiliating punishment.

This verse emphasizes that punishment is a result of one's own actions and serves as a deterrent to prevent further wrongdoing.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the divine order in which the process of accountability precedes the dispensation of punishment or reward. This order is consistent with the justice and wisdom of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The reckoning of deeds is a necessary step before any judgment can be made. It allows for a fair evaluation of one's actions and intentions.

The Quran affirms this order in multiple verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:15), Allah says,

Whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] his soul. And whoever errs only errs against it. And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And never would We punish until We sent a messenger.

This verse emphasizes that each individual is responsible for their own actions and will be held accountable accordingly. It also highlights that Allah's punishment is not inflicted without warning or guidance from His messengers.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability. It encourages us to constantly evaluate our actions and intentions, knowing that we will be held accountable for them. This awareness should motivate us to strive for righteousness and to seek forgiveness for our shortcomings.

Moreover, this Hadith teaches us that the reward for our good deeds will come after the process of accountability. This is in line with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the immense rewards that await the believers in the Hereafter. Allah says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:30),

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of any who did well in deeds.

This verse assures us that Allah will not overlook any good deed and will reward it accordingly.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the divine order in which the process of accountability precedes the dispensation of punishment or reward. It highlights the justice and wisdom of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in dealing with His creation. As Muslims, we should reflect on this beautiful Hadith and strive to be mindful of our actions, knowing that we will be held accountable for them. May Allah guide us to the path of righteousness and grant us His mercy and forgiveness.