Hadith #3428

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

فاعِلُ الخَيرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْهُ۔

This can be translated into English as,

The doer of [a] good [deed] is better than it.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (fa'il) "فاعِلُ" refers to the one who performs an action or deed. (al-khair) "الخَيرِ" signifies goodness, righteousness, or acts of virtue. And (khayr) "خَيْرٌ" means better or superior.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that the true measure of superiority lies in righteousness and piety. It is not based on one's wealth, lineage, or worldly achievements.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that true righteousness is not merely performing rituals, but it encompasses a comprehensive set of actions that benefit society and fulfill the rights of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes that the one who performs a good deed is superior to the deed itself. This means that the person who consistently engages in acts of righteousness and virtue is of higher value and worth than the individual acts they perform. This Hadith encourages Muslims to strive for continuous improvement and growth in their character and conduct.

For instance, if someone donates a sum of money to a charitable cause, the act of charity is commendable. However, the person who consistently engages in acts of charity, not only with their wealth but also with their time and effort, demonstrates a higher level of righteousness. Their commitment to doing good deeds reflects a deep-rooted sense of compassion, empathy, and selflessness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith also serves as a reminder that the intention behind our actions holds great significance. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:265), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking Allah's pleasure and firmness for their souls is like a garden on high ground which is hit by a downpour - so it yields its fruits in double. And [even] if it is not hit by a downpour, then a drizzle [is sufficient]. And Allah, of what you do, is Seeing.

This verse highlights that the true value of our actions lies in seeking Allah's pleasure and purifying our souls. When our intentions are sincere and focused on pleasing Allah, even the smallest of good deeds can yield immense rewards.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that the person who consistently engages in acts of righteousness and virtue is of higher value than the individual deeds they perform. This Hadith encourages Muslims to strive for continuous improvement in their character and conduct, while also emphasizing the importance of sincere intentions behind our actions. May we all strive to be among those who excel in performing good deeds and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do.