Hadith #3416

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The essential prerequisite of good action is taking the initiative in [performing] it.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being proactive and taking the lead in performing good deeds. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (milāk) "مِلاكُ" in the Hadith refers to the essential prerequisite or condition. It signifies that taking the initiative is not just a recommended aspect of good actions, but rather an indispensable requirement. This implies that merely having good intentions is not enough; one must actively take the first step towards performing righteous deeds.

The word (khayr) "خَيْرِ" in the Hadith refers to goodness or righteousness. It encompasses all actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and beneficial to oneself and others. It includes acts of worship, kindness, charity, and any action that aligns with the teachings of Islam.

To understand the significance of taking the initiative in performing good deeds, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:21),

Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers.

This verse encourages believers to hasten towards seeking forgiveness and striving for Paradise. It emphasizes the importance of taking the initiative and actively pursuing good actions.

Another verse that supports the concept of taking the initiative in performing good deeds is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:148), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So race to [all that is] good.

This verse urges Muslims to compete in performing good deeds, indicating that it is not enough to simply wait for opportunities to arise. Rather, believers should actively seek out opportunities to do good and strive to excel in their actions.

The consequences of taking the initiative in performing good deeds are manifold. Firstly, it demonstrates sincerity and a strong sense of responsibility towards fulfilling one's duties as a Muslim. By actively seeking out opportunities to do good, one shows their commitment to pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and serving His creation.

Secondly, taking the initiative in performing good deeds can have a positive impact on others. When we lead by example and take the first step towards righteousness, we inspire and motivate those around us to follow suit. Our proactive approach can create a ripple effect, encouraging others to engage in acts of goodness and righteousness.

Furthermore, taking the initiative in performing good deeds helps in personal growth and self-improvement. It instills discipline, determination, and a sense of purpose in our lives. By actively seeking opportunities to do good, we develop a habit of constantly striving to better ourselves and make a positive difference in the world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that taking the initiative is an essential prerequisite for performing good actions. It emphasizes the importance of being proactive and actively seeking opportunities to do good. By doing so, we demonstrate our sincerity, inspire others, and foster personal growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to take the lead in performing good deeds and make a positive impact in this world.