Hadith #3408

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ قَدَّمَ خَيْراً وَجَدَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who sends forth a good deed will find it [in the Hereafter].

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith by exploring its key words and drawing upon the guidance of the Quran.

The word (qaddama) "قَدَّمَ" in the Hadith means to send forth or to advance. It implies taking the initiative to perform a good deed, to be proactive in seeking righteousness. This concept is beautifully emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So race to [all that is] good.

This verse encourages Muslims to hasten towards performing good deeds, to be at the forefront of righteousness.

The word (khayran) "خَيْراً" in the Hadith refers to goodness or a good deed. It encompasses all acts of righteousness, whether they are acts of worship, acts of kindness towards others, or acts of self-improvement. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 277, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 significance of combining faith with good deeds, as they are inseparable components of a believer's life.

The Hadith further states, (wajadahu) "وَجَدَهُ", which means to find or to encounter. It signifies the reward and recompense that awaits the doer of good deeds in the Hereafter. The Quran provides numerous examples of the promised rewards for those who perform good deeds. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 30, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of any who did well in deeds.

This verse assures Muslims that their good deeds will not go unnoticed or unrewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on the meaning of this Hadith, we understand that it encourages Muslims to be proactive in performing good deeds. It reminds us that our actions in this world have consequences in the Hereafter. Just as a person who sends forth a good deed will find it in the Hereafter, a person who neglects good deeds will also find the consequences of their actions. This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for righteousness, to be at the forefront of goodness, and to be conscious of the consequences of their actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His teachings, including this Hadith, serve as a guiding light for Muslims in their journey towards attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that our actions have a lasting impact and that we should always strive to send forth good deeds, knowing that we will find their rewards in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be proactive in performing good deeds and may He accept our efforts in the Hereafter. Ameen.