ثَمَرَةُ العَمَلِ الأجْرُ عَلَيْهِ۔
The fruit of [good] action is the [divine] reward given for it.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Actions And Deeds)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,
ثَمَرَةُ العَمَلِ الأجْرُ عَلَيْهِ۔
which translates to,
The fruit of [good] action is the [divine] reward given for it.
This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the ultimate consequence of our actions in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us reflect upon the key words used. First, (thamaratu) "ثَمَرَةُ" refers to the fruit or outcome of an action. It signifies the result or consequence that emerges from our deeds. Second, (al-'amal) "العَمَلِ" refers to any act or deed that we perform, whether it be physical, verbal, or spiritual. It encompasses all aspects of our actions. Finally, (al-ajr) "الأجْرُ" denotes the reward or recompense that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grants for our actions. It is the divine compensation that awaits us in the Hereafter.
The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:30),
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 emphasizes that the reward for our good actions will never be wasted or overlooked by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). He is the All-Knowing and Just, and He will ensure that every righteous deed is duly compensated.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,
Say, 'O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allah is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.'
This verse highlights the vastness of Allah's mercy and the limitless rewards that await those who perform good deeds. It assures us that our efforts will not go unnoticed, and we will be rewarded abundantly.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for us as Muslims to be conscious of our actions and their consequences. It encourages us to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives, knowing that every action we undertake has a corresponding reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This Hadith motivates us to engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, and seeking knowledge, with sincerity and dedication.
Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a reflection on the importance of intention in our actions. The intention behind our deeds determines their true value and impact. As mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),
And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.
Our intention should always be to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to fulfill our obligations as Muslims. By doing so, we ensure that our actions are sincere and that we are deserving of the divine reward promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the fruit of our actions is the divine reward bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and highlights the certainty of receiving recompense for our efforts. As Muslims, we should strive to engage in righteous actions, with sincere intentions, knowing that our ultimate reward lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform good deeds and accept them from us.
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