Hadith #2374

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,

Expediting good turns is the basis of righteousness.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (ta'jeel) "تَعْجِيل" in the Hadith means to expedite or hasten. It implies performing good deeds promptly and without delay. The word (ma'ruf) "مَعْرُوف" refers to acts of kindness, righteousness, and goodness. It encompasses all actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and beneficial to others.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of hastening to perform good deeds. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148, Allah says,

So hasten to good deeds as much as you can.

This verse encourages Muslims to be proactive in doing good and not to procrastinate when it comes to acts of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 21, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Race one another in 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 highlights the concept of competing in performing good deeds, indicating the significance of expediting acts of kindness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes that expediting good turns is the foundation of righteousness. When we promptly engage in acts of kindness, we not only fulfill our obligations towards others but also strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By hastening to do good, we demonstrate our sincerity and eagerness to please our Creator.

Expediting good turns has numerous motivations and consequences. Firstly, it reflects our love and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we prioritize performing good deeds, we demonstrate our commitment to following His commands and seeking His pleasure. This love and devotion motivate us to act swiftly and diligently in doing good.

Secondly, expediting good turns fosters a sense of empathy and compassion towards others. When we promptly help those in need, offer support, or show kindness, we alleviate their suffering and bring comfort to their hearts. Our actions become a source of solace and relief for those who are struggling, and we become a means of Allah's mercy and blessings in their lives.

Thirdly, expediting good turns has a positive impact on our own spiritual growth. When we engage in acts of kindness promptly, we develop a habit of righteousness and increase our taqwa (God-consciousness). This habit becomes ingrained in our character, leading to a virtuous cycle of continuous good deeds. It also protects us from the traps of procrastination and laziness, ensuring that we consistently strive towards righteousness.

Lastly, expediting good turns sets an example for others to follow. When Muslims observe our promptness in doing good, they are inspired to emulate our actions. Our deeds become a source of inspiration and encouragement for others to engage in acts of kindness, creating a ripple effect of goodness in society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that expediting good turns is the foundation of righteousness. By promptly engaging in acts of kindness, we demonstrate our love for Allah, show empathy towards others, foster our own spiritual growth, and inspire those around us. Let us strive to be proactive in performing good deeds, knowing that our actions have the power to bring about positive change and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to expedite good turns.