Hadith #1704

Praise be to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

One who believes in [divine] requital does not choose [to do] anything but good.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (mujazah) "مُجازاةِ", which refers to divine requital or recompense. It signifies the belief in the concept of accountability and the understanding that our actions in this world will be rewarded or punished in the hereafter. This belief in divine requital is a fundamental aspect of faith for Muslims, as it instills a sense of responsibility and encourages righteous behavior.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we find numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the concept of divine requital. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

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

This verse highlights the fairness and justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), assuring us that we will be held accountable only for what we are capable of.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan (76:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And upon them will be garments of fine green silk and brocade. And they will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a purifying drink.

This verse depicts the rewards awaiting the righteous in the hereafter, illustrating the concept of divine requital for their good deeds.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He states that one who truly believes in divine requital will not choose to do anything but good. This implies that the belief in accountability acts as a guiding principle in shaping our actions and decisions.

When we internalize the idea that our actions will be rewarded or punished, it motivates us to strive for righteousness and avoid sinful behavior. The fear of divine punishment and the hope for divine rewards become powerful incentives for us to choose the path of goodness and righteousness in all aspects of our lives.

For example, when faced with a temptation to engage in dishonesty or deceit, a person who firmly believes in divine requital will resist the temptation and choose honesty, knowing that their actions will be accounted for. Similarly, when given the opportunity to help others or perform acts of kindness, they will seize the chance, knowing that their good deeds will be rewarded.

The consequences of adhering to the principle of choosing only good are profound. Not only does it lead to personal growth and spiritual development, but it also has a positive impact on society as a whole. When individuals consistently choose good over evil, it creates an environment of justice, compassion, and harmony.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the intentions behind our actions. Merely performing good deeds outwardly is not enough; we must ensure that our intentions are pure and sincere. The belief in divine requital reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) looks beyond our actions and examines the intentions behind them. Therefore, we should strive to purify our intentions and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson that a true believer in divine requital will always choose to do good. This belief in accountability acts as a guiding principle in shaping our actions and decisions, motivating us to strive for righteousness and avoid sinful behavior. By adhering to this principle, we not only experience personal growth but also contribute to the creation of a just and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to always choose good and may He reward us abundantly for our righteous deeds.