Hadith #7618

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of not falling short in our actions, especially when we are certain of the rewards that await us. The word (taqseer) "تَقْصِير" refers to falling short or being deficient in something. In this context, it refers to falling short in performing good deeds or neglecting our responsibilities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes such an act as (ghabn) "غَبْن", which can be translated as foolishness or deprivation. This implies that when we fail to fully utilize the opportunities to perform good deeds, despite being aware of the immense rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we are essentially depriving ourselves of those rewards and acting against our own best interests.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 4:124)

And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing righteous deeds and assures us that those who do so will be rewarded with entry into Paradise. It highlights the fact that even the smallest of good deeds will not go unnoticed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and will be rewarded accordingly. Therefore, falling short in our actions, despite being certain of the rewards, is indeed foolishness as it denies us the opportunity to accumulate these rewards.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 5:9)

And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.

This verse emphasizes the importance of sincerity in our actions. It reminds us that our deeds must be performed with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure and not for the sake of showing off or seeking praise from others. Falling short in our actions can be a manifestation of insincerity, as it reflects a lack of commitment and dedication to pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we are reminded of the need to seize every opportunity to perform good deeds and fulfill our responsibilities. We should not underestimate the value of even the smallest acts of kindness, as they have the potential to earn us immense rewards in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Falling short in our actions not only deprives us of these rewards but also reflects a lack of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings and opportunities bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a missed opportunity to draw closer to our Creator and to fulfill our purpose in this world.

Let us strive to be mindful of this Hadith and make a conscious effort to maximize our efforts in performing good deeds. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to consistently strive for excellence in our actions and to never fall short in our pursuit of His pleasure.