Hadith #7657

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, "العمل أكمل خلف" which translates to

Good action is the most perfect legacy.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance and excellence of performing righteous deeds.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The word (amal) "عَمَلُ" refers to any action or deed, whether physical or spiritual, that is performed by an individual. It encompasses acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as well as acts of kindness, honesty, and justice in one's interactions with others. The word (akmal) "أكْمَلُ" means the most perfect or complete. And finally, the word (khalaf) "خَلَف" refers to a legacy or inheritance that is left behind by someone.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of good deeds and their everlasting impact. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, (Quran 18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability

This ayah illustrates the transient nature of worldly possessions and the impermanence of material wealth. However, the good deeds we perform during our lifetime have the potential to become our eternal legacy. They are like seeds that we plant in this world, which continue to grow and bear fruit even after we have departed from this earthly realm.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, Allah says, (Quran 99:7-8)

So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, And whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it

This verse highlights the divine justice of Allah, who ensures that every action, no matter how small, is accounted for. It serves as a reminder that our deeds, whether good or bad, will have consequences in this life and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the superiority of good actions as a legacy over material possessions. While worldly wealth may diminish or be lost over time, the impact of our virtuous deeds remains eternal. Our good actions not only benefit us in this life but also continue to benefit others long after we are gone.

For example, if we establish a charitable foundation that provides education or healthcare to those in need, the benefits of that foundation will continue to reach people for generations to come. Similarly, if we leave behind a legacy of kindness, honesty, and justice, our actions will inspire others to follow in our footsteps, creating a ripple effect of goodness in society.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to prioritize their actions and strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. It reminds us that our actions are not insignificant, but rather they hold immense value and have the potential to shape our legacy.

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

Good action is the most perfect legacy

highlights the importance of performing righteous deeds and leaving behind a lasting impact. It encourages Muslims to prioritize their actions and strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. By focusing on building a legacy of goodness, we ensure that our actions continue to benefit others and earn us rewards in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to leave behind a legacy of righteousness and accept our good deeds.