Hadith #7745

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,

مَنْ أبْطَأ بِهِ عَمَلُهُ لَمْ يُسْرِعْ بِهِ نَسَبُهُ۔

This impactful saying highlights the importance of one's actions over their lineage. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (abta'a) "أبْطَأ" which means "slowed down" or "delayed," (amaluhu) "عَمَلُهُ" which refers to one's actions, and (nasabuhu) "نَسَبُهُ" which means "lineage" or "ancestry."

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of righteous deeds in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:23), Allah says,

That is because Allah is the Truth, and that which they call upon other than Him is falsehood, and because Allah is the Most High, the Grand.

This verse reminds us that Allah is the ultimate truth, and any actions or beliefs that are not aligned with His guidance are futile.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah says,

Wealth and children are the 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 highlights that while wealth and lineage may be considered as blessings in this worldly life, it is the enduring good deeds that hold true value in the sight of Allah.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we understand that the emphasis is not on disregarding one's lineage, but rather on prioritizing the importance of actions. It teaches us that regardless of our lineage or social status, it is our actions that truly define us in the eyes of Allah. A person may come from a noble lineage, but if their actions are lacking righteousness, their lineage holds no weight in the sight of Allah.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to focus on their actions and strive for righteousness. It encourages us to prioritize our deeds over any sense of entitlement or superiority based on our lineage. It teaches us that true honor and success lie in the sincerity and righteousness of our actions, regardless of our background.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was a shining example of this principle. His knowledge, wisdom, and piety were unparalleled, and he was known for his exceptional actions and devotion to Allah. His lineage as the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was undoubtedly noble, but it was his actions and character that truly elevated his status.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our actions hold greater significance than our lineage. It urges us to prioritize righteousness and sincerity in our deeds, as they are the true measure of our worth in the sight of Allah. Let us strive to emulate the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and focus on improving ourselves through righteous actions, seeking the pleasure of Allah alone. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness.