Hadith #3799

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

فِي الدُّنيا عَمَلٌ، ولا حِسابٌ۔

This can be translated as,

In this world there is action without reckoning.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (amal) "عَمَلٌ" in this Hadith refers to actions or deeds. It encompasses all the actions we perform in this world, whether they are physical, verbal, or even thoughts and intentions. These actions are the result of our free will and have consequences that impact our lives and the lives of others.

The word (hisab) "حِسابٌ" means reckoning or accountability. It refers to the evaluation and judgment of our actions, where we are held responsible for what we have done. This reckoning takes place in the Hereafter, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will weigh our deeds and reward or punish us accordingly.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting a profound reality of this world. In this transient life, we have the opportunity to perform actions without immediate accountability. This means that the consequences of our actions may not be immediately apparent or experienced in this world. However, this does not mean that our actions are insignificant or devoid of consequences.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support this understanding. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that every action we perform has an impact, and we will be held accountable for it. However, the full consequences of our actions may not be experienced in this world, as Allah's wisdom and justice dictate that the ultimate reward or punishment is reserved for the Hereafter.

Another verse that sheds light on this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse emphasizes that the true consequences of our actions will be realized on the Day of Resurrection, where our deeds will be weighed and rewarded accordingly.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that although we may not see the immediate results of our actions in this world, we should not underestimate their significance. Our actions have a ripple effect that can shape our lives and the lives of those around us. Therefore, we should strive to perform righteous deeds and avoid sinful actions, knowing that we will be held accountable for them in the Hereafter.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for us to continue doing good, even when we may not see the immediate fruits of our efforts. It reminds us that our actions are not in vain and that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of every single deed we perform. We should have faith in His promise of rewarding the believers and trust in His divine wisdom.

Furthermore, this Hadith teaches us the importance of self-accountability. Although we may not be immediately held accountable for our actions in this world, we should constantly reflect on our deeds and strive to improve ourselves. We should take responsibility for our actions and seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, knowing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the All-Knowing and All-Seeing.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

In this world there is action without reckoning

reminds us of the profound reality of this transient life. It emphasizes that although we may not see the immediate consequences of our actions, we will be held accountable for them in the Hereafter. This Hadith motivates us to continue doing good, have faith in Allah's promise of reward, and take responsibility for our actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to righteous actions and grant us success in the Hereafter.