Hadith #9913

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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, "لامَعْرُوفَ مَعَ مَنّ۔" This phrase can be translated into English as,

There is no good deed with obligation.

To understand the meaning behind this statement, let us delve into the important words and their implications.

The word (la ma'rufa) "لامَعْرُوفَ" refers to a good or righteous deed. It encompasses any action that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to oneself and others. It includes acts of worship, charity, kindness, and all other virtuous actions that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

The word (ma'a) "مَعَ" means "with" or "alongside." It signifies the presence or involvement of someone or something in a particular action or situation. In this context, it implies that a good deed should not be accompanied by any form of obligation or compulsion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of sincerity and voluntary action in performing good deeds. He is emphasizing that acts of worship and righteousness should be done willingly, without any external pressure or coercion. This principle aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the significance of sincere intentions and voluntary acts of worship.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:177),

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness is not limited to mere external actions or rituals. It encompasses sincere belief in Allah and His messengers, as well as acts of kindness, charity, and fulfilling one's obligations. It highlights the importance of performing good deeds with a pure heart and genuine intention, rather than being driven by societal expectations or obligations.

Furthermore, the Quran (Surah Al-Insan, 76:8-9) states,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

These verses emphasize the concept of selfless giving and performing good deeds solely for the sake of pleasing Allah. The believers mentioned in these verses do not seek any reward or gratitude from those they help. Their actions are driven by their love for Allah and their desire to follow His commandments, rather than any external obligation or expectation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that acts of worship and righteousness should be performed sincerely and voluntarily. They should not be done out of a sense of obligation or to seek recognition from others. True goodness lies in the purity of intention and the willingness to please Allah alone.

When we perform good deeds with sincerity, we cultivate a deeper connection with Allah and strengthen our faith. Our actions become a means of spiritual growth and purification. Conversely, if we engage in acts of worship or righteousness solely due to societal pressure or obligation, we risk diluting the essence of our faith and losing the spiritual benefits associated with sincere actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith calls upon Muslims to reflect upon their intentions and motivations when performing good deeds. It encourages us to strive for sincerity in all aspects of our worship and to ensure that our actions are driven by a genuine desire to please Allah and seek His pleasure.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform good deeds with sincerity and without any form of obligation. May He accept our efforts and bless us with His mercy and forgiveness. Ameen.