Hadith #3429

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,

The good action is a lasting store and a pure fruitage.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (fi'l) "فِعْلُ" in Arabic refers to an action or deed. It encompasses any act performed by an individual, whether physical or verbal. The word (al-khayr) "الخَيْرِ" means goodness or righteousness. It signifies actions that are virtuous, beneficial, and in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes these good actions as (dakhira) "ذَخيرَةٌ" which can be translated as a lasting store. This implies that good deeds are not transient or temporary, but rather they have a lasting impact and benefit. Just as a storehouse contains provisions that can be utilized in times of need, good actions serve as provisions for the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us in the Quran:

(Quran 16:97)

Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

The phrase (wa thamaratun zakiya) "وثَمَرَةٌ زاكِيَةٌ" in the Hadith refers to a pure fruitage. Just as a fruit is the result of a seed that has been nurtured and grown, good actions bear pure and wholesome fruits. These fruits symbolize the rewards and blessings that are bestowed upon the doers of good deeds. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in the Quran:

(Quran 52:17-18)

Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens and pleasure, enjoying what their Lord has given them, and their Lord protected them from the punishment of Hellfire.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the everlasting nature of good actions and their purity. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to engage in righteous deeds and to strive for excellence in their actions. Good deeds not only benefit individuals in this world but also have a profound impact on their eternal life in the hereafter.

The concept of good actions being a lasting store and a pure fruitage is beautifully illustrated in the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 27:89)

Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have better than it, and they, from the terror of that Day, will be safe.

This verse highlights that on the Day of Judgement, those who have engaged in good actions will be rewarded with something even better than what they had done. It further emphasizes the purity and safety that awaits the doers of good deeds.

In another verse, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

(Quran 10:9)

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - their Lord will guide them because of their faith. Beneath them rivers will flow in the Gardens of Pleasure.

This verse highlights that those who believe and engage in righteous deeds will be guided by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) due to their faith. They will be rewarded with the ultimate pleasure and blessings in Paradise.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the everlasting nature and purity of good actions. It encourages Muslims to engage in righteous deeds, as they serve as provisions for the hereafter and bear fruits of blessings and rewards. By striving to perform good actions, Muslims can attain a good life in this world and eternal bliss in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to engage in righteous deeds and may He accept our efforts.