Hadith #3383

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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, "الخير لا يفنى" which translates to

Good does not perish.

This concise statement carries profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims of all backgrounds.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words. The word (khayr) "خير" refers to goodness, virtue, or anything that is beneficial and righteous. It encompasses acts of kindness, righteousness, and moral excellence. The word (la) "لا" negates the action of perishing or ceasing to exist. And finally, (yafna) "يفنى" means to perish, fade away, or come to an end.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) affirms the eternal nature of goodness in several verses. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes that while worldly possessions may fade away, good deeds remain and are rewarded by Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277), Allah states,

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse highlights the everlasting nature of good deeds and the promise of reward for those who engage in righteous actions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that goodness, in all its forms, does not perish. It is a timeless principle that transcends the boundaries of time and space. Goodness can manifest in various ways, such as acts of charity, kindness, honesty, and justice. These virtuous actions have a lasting impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

When we engage in acts of goodness, we contribute to the betterment of our own souls and the world around us. Goodness has a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and creating a positive cycle of change. For example, a simple act of kindness towards a stranger can uplift their spirits and encourage them to spread kindness to others.

Moreover, the concept of goodness extends beyond our immediate actions. It encompasses our intentions, thoughts, and character. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, exemplified the essence of goodness throughout his life. His teachings and actions continue to inspire Muslims across generations, demonstrating the enduring nature of his virtuous legacy.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for goodness in all aspects of their lives. It encourages us to seek opportunities to do good, to be kind and just, and to leave a positive impact on the world. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, and even the smallest act of goodness can have a lasting effect.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Good does not perish

carries a beautiful message for Muslims. It reminds us that goodness is eternal and transcends the boundaries of time. It encourages us to engage in acts of kindness, righteousness, and moral excellence, knowing that our efforts will never be in vain. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody and spread goodness in all aspects of our lives.