Hadith #7733

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كَفى بِفِعْلِ الخَيْرِ حُسْنُ عادَة۔

This can be translated as,

It is enough of a righteous act to have a good habit.

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

The word (fi'l) "فِعْلِ" in the Hadith refers to an action or deed. It encompasses all types of actions, whether they are physical, verbal, or even internal. It emphasizes the importance of engaging in acts of righteousness and goodness. The word (khayr) "خَيْرِ" means goodness, righteousness, and virtue. It encompasses all actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), such as acts of worship, charity, kindness, and justice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of cultivating good habits in our lives. A habit is a behavior that becomes ingrained in our character through repetition. It becomes a part of our nature and defines who we are. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that having a good habit, consistently performing righteous actions, is sufficient to earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteous actions and good deeds. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:177)

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

This verse highlights that true righteousness is not limited to outward rituals or mere lip service. It encompasses sincere belief in Allah and His messengers, as well as acts of kindness and charity towards others. It is the consistent practice of these good deeds that truly reflects a person's righteousness.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun, where Allah says, (Quran 23:1-6)

Indeed, successful are the believers, who are humble in their prayers, and who turn away from ill speech, and who are observant of zakah, and who guard their private parts, except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed

This verse highlights the importance of cultivating good habits in various aspects of our lives. It emphasizes the significance of performing prayers with humility, refraining from engaging in harmful speech, fulfilling our obligations of charity (zakah), and maintaining modesty in our relationships. These righteous actions, when consistently practiced, contribute to the overall righteousness of a believer.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that our actions and habits define our character and ultimately determine our destiny. By consistently engaging in acts of righteousness, we develop a virtuous nature that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These good habits become a source of motivation and inspiration for ourselves and those around us.

Furthermore, the Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. Every good habit we cultivate has a positive impact not only on ourselves but also on society as a whole. For example, a habit of regularly performing acts of charity can alleviate the suffering of the needy, promote social justice, and foster a spirit of compassion within the community. Similarly, a habit of speaking kind words can create an atmosphere of love and harmony, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of cultivating good habits and consistently performing righteous actions. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the significance of engaging in acts of goodness and righteousness. By developing virtuous habits, we not only earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also positively impact ourselves and society. Let us strive to embody this profound teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and make righteousness a part of our daily lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to do so.