Hadith #5991

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Obedience and virtuous actions are the two profitable trades.

This impactful Hadith highlights the importance of obedience to Allah and the performance of righteous deeds as the key to success and prosperity in both this world and the Hereafter.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ta'ah) "طاعة" translates to "obedience" and refers to submitting oneself willingly to the commands and prohibitions of Allah. It encompasses following the teachings of Islam and adhering to the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (fi'l) "فعل" means "action" or "deed," and (al-bir) "البر" signifies "virtuous" or "righteous" actions that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

To understand the significance of obedience and virtuous actions, we turn to the Quran, which provides numerous verses that emphasize their importance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83:

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of obedience to Allah by worshipping Him alone and fulfilling our obligations towards our parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It also emphasizes the significance of virtuous actions such as speaking kindly to others, establishing prayer, and giving zakah. These acts of obedience and righteousness are the foundation of a successful and prosperous life.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 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 reminds us that worldly possessions and children are temporary adornments, while enduring good deeds are what truly matter in the sight of Allah. Obedience to Allah and the performance of virtuous actions are the means through which we can attain His pleasure and eternal rewards.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith compares obedience and virtuous actions to profitable trades. Just as a successful trade brings profit and prosperity, obedience to Allah and the performance of righteous deeds yield immense spiritual and worldly benefits. When we engage in acts of obedience, we strengthen our relationship with Allah and earn His blessings and forgiveness. Similarly, virtuous actions bring about positive change in society, fostering harmony, justice, and compassion.

Moreover, obedience and virtuous actions have far-reaching consequences. They not only benefit us individually but also have a positive impact on our families, communities, and the entire Muslim Ummah. When we embody the teachings of Islam and strive to live a life of obedience and righteousness, we become role models for others, inspiring them to follow the path of goodness and righteousness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam. It serves as a call to prioritize obedience to Allah and the performance of virtuous deeds in our daily lives. By doing so, we can attain success and prosperity in both this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be obedient to Him and to engage in virtuous actions that bring us closer to Him. May He bless us with the understanding and implementation of the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Ameen.