Hadith #9710

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مِنَ المُرُوءَةِ العَمَلُ لِلّهِ فَوْقَ الطّاقَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

Part of magnanimity is going beyond one’s [normal] capacity in working for [the pleasure of] Allah.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. "Murua" refers to magnanimity or nobility of character. It encompasses qualities such as generosity, courage, and righteousness. "Amal" means action or deed. "Allah" is the name of the One True God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. And "taqah" refers to one's capacity or ability.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, never places a burden on us that is beyond our capacity to handle. However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to go beyond our normal capacity in our actions for the sake of Allah.

This does not mean that we should exhaust ourselves or engage in actions that are beyond our physical or mental capabilities. Rather, it calls upon us to push ourselves to do more than what is expected or required of us in our worship and service to Allah. It is a call to exceed our own limitations and strive for excellence in our deeds.

For example, if we are accustomed to performing a certain number of voluntary prayers, this Hadith encourages us to increase our voluntary prayers and go beyond our usual routine. If we are used to giving a certain amount in charity, we should strive to give more and be more generous in our giving. If we have the ability to help others, we should go beyond our comfort zone and extend a helping hand to those in need.

By going beyond our normal capacity in working for the pleasure of Allah, we demonstrate our sincerity and devotion to Him. It is a reflection of our love for Allah and our desire to please Him. This magnanimity in our actions is a manifestation of our faith and a means of drawing closer to Allah.

Moreover, when we go beyond our normal capacity, we inspire others and set an example for them to follow. Our actions have a ripple effect, and by pushing ourselves to do more, we motivate and encourage others to do the same. This creates a positive cycle of growth and progress within the Muslim community.

On the other hand, if we limit ourselves to what is comfortable and easy, we may miss out on opportunities for spiritual growth and development. We may become complacent and stagnant in our worship, lacking the drive to excel and improve. By embracing the concept of going beyond our capacity, we challenge ourselves to reach new heights and unlock our full potential as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that part of magnanimity is going beyond our normal capacity in working for the pleasure of Allah. It encourages us to push ourselves and strive for excellence in our actions, while being mindful of our own limitations. By doing so, we demonstrate our sincerity, inspire others, and create a positive impact in our communities. May Allah grant us the strength and motivation to go beyond our capacity in our worship and service to Him.