Hadith #7792

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 person who gains the most felicity from [that which is] good is the one who acts upon it.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not only recognizing what is good but also actively implementing it in our lives. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (al-'amil) "العامِلُ", which translates to

the one who acts.

This word signifies the importance of taking practical steps and putting knowledge into action. It highlights the significance of not just acquiring knowledge but also applying it in our daily lives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of action in the Quran.

In Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This ayah emphasizes the necessity of combining faith with righteous actions. It reminds us that true success lies in not only having faith but also acting upon it.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 61:2-3)

O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do.

This ayah highlights the displeasure of Allah towards those who claim to believe but fail to act accordingly. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our words with our actions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the consequences of acting upon good. When we actively implement what we know to be good, we not only benefit ourselves but also those around us. Our actions have a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and creating a positive impact in society.

For example, if we possess knowledge about the importance of charity, it is not enough to merely acknowledge its significance. The true benefit lies in actively engaging in acts of charity, whether it be through monetary contributions or volunteering our time. By doing so, we not only experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping others but also inspire others to do the same.

Moreover, the Hadith encourages us to reflect upon the motivations behind our actions. Are we performing good deeds solely for the sake of recognition or are our intentions pure and sincere? Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 6:162)

Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'

This ayah reminds us to purify our intentions and seek the pleasure of Allah alone in our actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to not only acquire knowledge but also actively implement it in their lives. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with our beliefs and purifying our intentions. By doing so, we not only benefit ourselves but also inspire others and create a positive impact in society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to act upon the good that we know and attain true felicity in this world and the hereafter.