Hadith #1545

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "البِشرُ أوَّلُ البِرِّ۔" This can be translated as

Cheerfulness is the beginning of righteousness.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (bushr) "بِشرُ" in this Hadith refers to cheerfulness, happiness, and a positive outlook. It signifies a state of contentment and joy that emanates from the heart. The word (birr) "بِرِّ" means righteousness, piety, and acts of goodness. It encompasses all actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of cheerfulness as the beginning of righteousness, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and backbiting. When we have a cheerful and positive outlook, we are less likely to engage in harmful gossip or harbor ill thoughts about others. Cheerfulness promotes a sense of empathy, kindness, and forgiveness, which are essential qualities of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:263), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.

This verse emphasizes the value of kind speech and forgiveness. When we approach others with cheerfulness and a positive attitude, our words and actions are more likely to be gentle, compassionate, and forgiving. This is a manifestation of righteousness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that cheerfulness is not only a virtue in itself but also a catalyst for righteousness. When we are cheerful, we are more inclined to perform acts of goodness, such as helping others, showing gratitude, and spreading positivity. Our cheerful demeanor can inspire others and create a ripple effect of righteousness in our communities.

Moreover, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom. His cheerful disposition was not superficial but rooted in his deep understanding of the teachings of Islam. He recognized that a positive outlook is essential for nurturing a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and for fulfilling our responsibilities towards others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound connection between cheerfulness and righteousness. By cultivating a cheerful and positive attitude, we lay the foundation for acts of goodness and righteousness. Let us strive to embody this teaching in our daily lives, spreading joy, kindness, and positivity among our fellow Muslims and beyond. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be cheerful and righteous, and may He bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.