Hadith #4682

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of competition and encourages Muslims to compete with one another in two specific areas: establishing the ordinances of Allah and enjoining good. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (tasābaqū) "تَسَابَقُوا" in the Hadith means to compete or strive to outdo one another. It implies a healthy competition among Muslims, where they push each other to excel in righteousness and good deeds. This competition should not be driven by envy or rivalry, but rather by a sincere desire to please Allah and seek His pleasure.

To understand the significance of competing in establishing the ordinances of Allah, we can turn to the Quran. Allah says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25),

We sent aforetime our messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance, that people may stand forth in justice.

This verse highlights the importance of establishing justice and upholding the divine laws and principles. Muslims should strive to establish the ordinances of Allah in all aspects of their lives, including personal conduct, family life, and societal interactions.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages Muslims to compete in enjoining good. Allah says in Surah Al-Imran (3:104),

Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. And it is they who are successful.

This verse emphasizes the duty of Muslims to promote goodness and righteousness in society. By enjoining good, Muslims can help create an environment that is conducive to the growth and well-being of individuals and communities.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that competition in the pursuit of righteousness is not only permissible but also encouraged in Islam. It motivates Muslims to strive for excellence in their worship, character, and interactions with others. This competition should be based on sincerity, humility, and a genuine desire to please Allah.

The consequences of heeding the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) are manifold. Firstly, it fosters a sense of unity and cooperation among Muslims. When individuals compete in doing good, they inspire and support one another, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere within the community. Secondly, it leads to personal growth and spiritual development. By constantly striving to outdo one another in righteousness, Muslims can continuously improve themselves and draw closer to Allah.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the importance of knowledge and understanding. Competing in establishing the ordinances of Allah and enjoining good requires a deep understanding of the Quran and the teachings of Islam. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this quality. Muslims should follow his example and seek knowledge to better fulfill their responsibilities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to engage in a healthy competition to establish the ordinances of Allah and enjoin good. This competition should be driven by a sincere desire to please Allah and seek His pleasure. By doing so, Muslims can foster unity, personal growth, and spiritual development within themselves and their communities. May Allah guide us all to compete in righteousness and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.