Hadith #4071

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أفْضَلُ الذُّخْرِ الصَّنايِعُ۔" This can be translated as,

The best savings are good actions.

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

The word (dhukr) "ذخر" in this Hadith refers to savings or provisions. It signifies the accumulation of something valuable that can be utilized in times of need or difficulty. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of accumulating good deeds as the most valuable provision for the hereafter.

The word (sanaa'ih) "صنايع" refers to good actions or righteous deeds. It encompasses all acts of worship, obedience to Allah, and acts of kindness towards fellow human beings. These actions are the means by which we accumulate provisions for our eternal life.

The Quran emphasizes the significance of good actions in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195:

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of spending in the way of Allah, which includes acts of charity and kindness. It also emphasizes the need to engage in good actions, as Allah loves those who do good. These actions not only benefit others but also serve as a means of accumulating provisions for the hereafter.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that worldly possessions and material wealth are merely temporary adornments. They hold no value in the sight of Allah compared to the enduring good deeds. These deeds are the true measure of success and are more valuable in terms of reward and hope for the believers.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that the best form of savings or provisions that we can accumulate are good actions. These actions are not only a means of attaining closeness to Allah and seeking His pleasure, but they also have profound effects on our own spiritual growth and development.

When we engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, we are strengthening our relationship with Allah and purifying our souls. These actions have the power to transform our character, increase our faith, and bring us closer to the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, good actions have a ripple effect on society. When we engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and justice, we contribute to the betterment of our communities. Our actions can inspire others to follow suit and create a positive impact on the world around us.

On the other hand, neglecting good actions and failing to accumulate provisions for the hereafter can have severe consequences. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Munafiqun, verse 9:

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers.

This verse serves as a reminder that worldly possessions and distractions should not divert us from the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of good actions. Those who prioritize worldly gains over their spiritual growth and neglect the accumulation of good deeds are indeed the losers in the sight of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best savings or provisions we can accumulate are good actions. These actions, encompassing acts of worship and acts of kindness, are the means by which we prepare for the hereafter and seek the pleasure of Allah. They have profound effects on our own spiritual growth, as well as on the betterment of society. Let us strive to prioritize and invest in these everlasting savings, for they are the true measure of success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to engage in righteous deeds and grant us the ability to accumulate provisions for the eternal life.