Hadith #7673

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,

إنَّكُمْ إلَى اكْتِسَابِ صَالِحِ الأعْمَالِ أَحْوَجُ مِنْكُمْ إلَى مَكَاسِبِ الأمْوَالِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of earning good deeds over material wealth. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (you) "إِلَيْكُمْ" in the Hadith refers to all Muslims, regardless of their social or economic status. It encompasses every individual, reminding us that the pursuit of good deeds is essential for all believers. The word (earning) "اكْتِسَابِ" signifies a deliberate effort and active engagement in acquiring something. Therefore, the Hadith urges us to actively seek and acquire righteous deeds.

The phrase (good deeds) "صَالِحِ الأعْمَالِ" encompasses all acts of worship and righteousness prescribed by Allah. It includes acts of charity, prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and the fulfillment of our responsibilities towards others. These good deeds are the means through which we can attain closeness to Allah and seek His pleasure.

To understand the significance of earning good deeds, we turn to the Quran. Allah says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:21),

Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord and Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers.

This verse highlights the importance of striving and competing in performing good deeds to attain forgiveness and the ultimate reward of Paradise.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:35), Allah states,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.

This verse emphasizes the need to seek the means of nearness to Allah, which includes the performance of good deeds. It encourages us to strive in His cause, indicating that our efforts in earning good deeds are crucial for attaining success in this life and the Hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the priority of earning good deeds over material wealth. While wealth is necessary for our worldly needs, it is transient and does not guarantee eternal success. On the other hand, good deeds have a lasting impact and are a means of attaining Allah's pleasure and eternal rewards.

Imam Ali's profound statement serves as a reminder that our focus should not solely be on accumulating wealth and material possessions. Instead, we should prioritize the acquisition of good deeds, as they are the currency that will benefit us in the Hereafter. By actively engaging in acts of worship and righteousness, we strengthen our relationship with Allah and increase our chances of attaining His mercy and forgiveness.

Moreover, the pursuit of good deeds brings about positive consequences in our lives. It instills a sense of purpose, contentment, and inner peace. It also fosters a spirit of generosity, compassion, and empathy towards others. When we prioritize earning good deeds, we become more conscious of our actions and strive to make a positive impact on the world around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. It urges us to prioritize the acquisition of good deeds over material wealth. By actively engaging in acts of worship and righteousness, we strengthen our relationship with Allah, seek His pleasure, and increase our chances of attaining eternal success. May Allah guide us all in our pursuit of good deeds and grant us the ability to prioritize what truly matters in this life and the Hereafter.