Hadith #8774

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,

قَليلٌ يَدُومُ خَيْرٌ مِنْ كَثير يَنْقَطِعُ۔

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of consistency and continuity in our actions, highlighting that even a small amount of consistent good deeds is more valuable than a large amount of sporadic ones.

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. The word (qalil) "قَليلٌ" translates to "little" or "few," indicating a small quantity or number. The word (yadum) "يَدُومُ" means "to continue" or "to endure," signifying the importance of maintaining consistency in our actions. On the other hand, the word (kathir) "كَثير" means "a lot" or "many," referring to a large quantity or number. Lastly, the word (yanqati) "يَنْقَطِعُ" means "to be discontinuous" or "to be intermittent," highlighting the sporadic nature of actions that lack continuity.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46),

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes the superiority of enduring good deeds over temporary worldly possessions. It reinforces the idea that consistency in performing good deeds is more valuable in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and holds greater reward.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages Muslims to strive for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter while also fulfilling their responsibilities in this worldly life. It emphasizes the importance of consistently doing good deeds, without neglecting our worldly obligations.

Reflecting upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize that it is not the quantity of our actions that matters, but rather the quality and continuity of our efforts. Consistency in performing even small acts of goodness, such as regular prayers, charity, or acts of kindness, has a profound impact on our spiritual growth and development. These continuous acts become ingrained in our character, shaping us into individuals who consistently strive for righteousness.

Furthermore, the Hadith teaches us the importance of avoiding sporadic and inconsistent actions, even if they may seem grand in quantity. Irregular acts of goodness, performed only on occasion or for show, lack the sincerity and dedication that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) desires from us. It is through the steadfastness and continuity of our actions that we truly demonstrate our commitment to pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize consistency and continuity in their actions. It encourages us to focus on the quality rather than the quantity of our deeds, emphasizing that even a small amount of consistent good deeds is more valuable in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) than sporadic acts of greatness. May we all strive to embody this profound teaching and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through our continuous efforts in performing righteous deeds.