Hadith #5127

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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:

بِئْسَ الذُّخْرُ فِعْلُ الشَّرِّ۔

This can be translated into English as:

How bad a provision evil action is!

Let us begin by examining the key words in this Hadith. The word (dhukhr) "ذُخْرُ" refers to provision or sustenance. It encompasses all that we acquire and possess in this world, including wealth, possessions, and resources. The word (fi'l) "فِعْلُ" means action or deed. And the word (sharr) "شَّرِّ" refers to evil or harmful actions.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support and provide a deeper understanding of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of acquiring the best provision, which is Taqwa (God-consciousness) rather than material possessions. Taqwa is the foundation of righteous actions and is the key to attaining success in both this world and the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 28, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse reminds us that our worldly possessions and relationships are merely a test from Allah. They are not the ultimate goal, but rather a means to test our faith and obedience to Allah's commands.

Now, let us delve into the profound exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the detrimental nature of evil actions as a provision for our journey in this world. Just as we need provisions for a physical journey, our actions serve as provisions for our spiritual journey towards the hereafter.

Evil actions, such as lying, cheating, backbiting, and harming others, are like poisoned provisions. They may seem appealing and satisfying in the short term, but they ultimately lead to spiritual decay and distance us from the path of righteousness. Just as consuming spoiled food can harm our physical health, engaging in evil actions can corrupt our souls and lead to spiritual destruction.

On the other hand, good actions, such as acts of kindness, honesty, generosity, and compassion, are like pure provisions that nourish our souls and strengthen our connection with Allah. These actions bring about blessings, contentment, and inner peace. They are a means of attaining closeness to Allah and securing a place in His mercy and forgiveness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is urging us to reflect upon the consequences of our actions. Every action we take has consequences, both in this world and in the hereafter. Evil actions may provide temporary gratification, but they ultimately lead to regret, remorse, and punishment. Conversely, good actions may require sacrifice and effort, but they bring about eternal rewards and blessings from Allah.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of their lives. It emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's pleasure and avoiding actions that harm ourselves and others. By choosing good actions as our provisions, we can ensure a prosperous and successful journey towards the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson that evil actions are a detrimental provision for our journey in this world. It urges us to prioritize good actions and righteousness, as they are the true provisions that nourish our souls and lead to success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah guide us to always choose the path of righteousness and protect us from the harms of evil actions.