Hadith #2295

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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 best act is that which benefits the pious ones.

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

The word (bir) "بر" in Arabic, which is translated as "act" in English, refers to acts of righteousness, goodness, and virtue. It encompasses all actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and beneficial to others. This includes acts of worship, charity, kindness, and any action that promotes the well-being of individuals and society.

The term (abrar) "أبرار" is derived from the root word (bir) "بر" and refers to the pious ones, the righteous individuals who consistently engage in acts of goodness and righteousness. They are those who strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of their lives and are committed to following the teachings of Islam.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

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 emphasizes that true righteousness is not limited to mere rituals or outward displays of piety. Rather, it encompasses a comprehensive approach to life that includes belief in Allah, fulfilling obligations towards others, and engaging in acts of charity and kindness. It is the combination of faith, good deeds, and moral character that defines true righteousness.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages Muslims to prioritize acts of goodness and righteousness that benefit others. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the importance of working together as a community to promote righteousness and piety. It emphasizes the significance of collective efforts in doing good and benefiting others. By cooperating in acts of righteousness, Muslims can create a positive impact on society and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith echoes the teachings of the Quran. It reminds us that the best acts are those that bring benefit to the pious ones, the righteous individuals who are dedicated to pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These acts can take various forms, such as supporting the needy, assisting the oppressed, spreading knowledge, or offering sincere advice and guidance.

By prioritizing acts that benefit the pious ones, we align ourselves with the teachings of Islam and contribute to the betterment of society. Our actions should be driven by the intention to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to uplift the righteous individuals who are striving to follow the path of righteousness. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that their actions should be guided by the principles of goodness, righteousness, and benefiting others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best acts are those that bring benefit to the pious ones. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing acts of righteousness and goodness that contribute to the well-being of individuals and society. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the examples set by the pious ones, we can strive to attain true righteousness and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to engage in acts that benefit the pious ones and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.