Hadith #1497

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, "البِرُّ عَمَلٌ صالِحٌ۔" This can be translated as,

The righteous act is a good deed.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. "Al-Bir" refers to righteousness, which encompasses all acts of goodness, piety, and virtue. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses both our actions towards Allah and our fellow human beings. "Amal" means an act or deed, and "Salih" means good or righteous. Therefore, the Hadith emphasizes that any righteous act is indeed a good deed.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the essence of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse highlights that true righteousness is not merely performing outward rituals, but it is rooted in sincere belief in Allah and encompasses acts of kindness and charity towards others. It emphasizes the importance of selflessness and generosity, which are essential components of a righteous act.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:93), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

There shall be no blame upon those who eat from what is necessary for them and give from it to the beggar and the deprived.

This verse highlights the significance of sharing one's blessings with those in need, which is a righteous act that brings goodness to both the giver and the receiver.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that any righteous act is a good deed. It reminds us that our actions should be guided by sincerity and a desire to please Allah. Whether it is performing acts of worship, such as prayer and fasting, or engaging in acts of kindness and charity, every righteous act holds immense value in the sight of Allah.

For instance, offering prayers with devotion and humility, seeking knowledge to benefit oneself and others, being honest in our dealings, showing compassion towards the less fortunate, and upholding justice in all aspects of life are all examples of righteous acts that bring about goodness and blessings.

The consequences of engaging in righteous acts are manifold. Firstly, it strengthens our relationship with Allah and increases our faith. As we strive to please Him through our actions, we develop a deeper connection and closeness to our Creator. Secondly, righteous acts have a positive impact on our character and purify our souls. They help us cultivate virtues such as patience, gratitude, and humility, which are essential for personal growth and spiritual development.

Moreover, righteous acts have a ripple effect on society. When Muslims engage in acts of kindness, charity, and justice, they contribute to the betterment of their communities and promote harmony and compassion. These acts inspire others and create a positive environment where goodness flourishes.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of consistently striving to perform righteous acts. It is not the quantity of our deeds that matters, but the quality and sincerity behind them. Each righteous act, no matter how small, has the potential to bring about immense goodness and blessings in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to engage in righteous acts and make them a means of attaining His pleasure. May He guide us to follow the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the righteous individuals who came before us. Ameen.