Hadith #9667

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,

قَدْرُ كُلِّ امْرِء ما يُحْسِنُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The worth of every person is [measured by] that which he does well.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of one's actions and deeds in determining their true value and worth in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (qadr) "قَدْرُ" refers to the measure or estimation of something. It signifies the value or worth of a person based on their actions. The word (kull) "كُلِّ" means every or each, emphasizing that this principle applies to every individual. (amr) "امْرِء" refers to a person or an individual. And finally, (ma yuhsinuhu) "ما يُحْسِنُهُ" means that which one does well or excellently.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing righteous deeds throughout one's life, as it determines the strength and stability of our entry into the Hereafter.

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

Wealth and children are an adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.

This verse highlights that while worldly possessions and relationships may bring temporary adornment, it is the good deeds that endure and hold true value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that our worth as Muslims is not determined by our social status, wealth, or lineage, but rather by the quality of our actions and deeds. It emphasizes the importance of striving to excel in every aspect of our lives, whether it be in our worship, interactions with others, or fulfilling our responsibilities.

For example, a person who consistently performs their daily prayers with sincerity and devotion, helps those in need, and maintains good character and ethics, will be considered of high worth in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). On the other hand, someone who neglects their prayers, engages in dishonesty, and mistreats others will be of lesser worth.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for us to constantly strive for self-improvement and to seek excellence in all that we do. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we will be held accountable for them. By focusing on doing good and striving for excellence, we can enhance our worth and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on our intentions behind our actions. It reminds us that true worth lies not only in the outward appearance of good deeds but also in the purity and sincerity of our intentions. As Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:9),

We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds solely for the sake of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure, rather than seeking recognition or praise from others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that our true worth as Muslims is determined by the quality of our actions and deeds. It reminds us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives and to constantly seek self-improvement. By doing so, we can enhance our worth in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attain His pleasure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to do good and excel in our actions, and may He accept our efforts.