Hadith #7797

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

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

أفْضَلُ الأعْمالِ ما أُكرِهَتِ النُّفُوسُ عَلَيْها۔

This Hadith translates to:

The best of deeds is that which people compel themselves to do.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (afdal) "أفْضَلُ" means the best or the most excellent. It signifies the highest level of goodness and righteousness. The word (al-a'mal) "الأعْمالِ" refers to actions or deeds performed by individuals. It encompasses all acts, whether they are physical, verbal, or internal.

The phrase (ma ukrihati al-nufus 'alayha)

ما أُكرِهَتِ النُّفُوسُ عَلَيْها

can be translated as

that which people compel themselves to do.

Here, the word (ukrihati) "أُكرِهَتِ" comes from the root word (karaha) "كَرِهَ", which means to dislike or to be averse to something. It implies that the actions being referred to are not easy or naturally desired by individuals. They require effort, determination, and self-discipline to be performed.

The Hadith emphasizes that the best deeds are those that individuals compel themselves to do, even if they initially dislike or find them challenging. These actions are not performed out of habit or convenience but are driven by a conscious choice to overcome personal inclinations and fulfill their obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This concept of striving to perform righteous deeds, even when they are difficult, is beautifully illustrated in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:92):

By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, Allah knows it well.

This verse highlights that true righteousness is achieved when individuals give away something they love or value for the sake of Allah. It requires sacrificing personal desires and inclinations for the greater good. This act of giving, whether it is wealth, time, or effort, is not always easy, but it is a test of one's sincerity and commitment to Allah.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9):

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

In these verses, Allah praises those who give food to the needy, even though they have an attachment to it. They overcome their personal desires and give solely for the sake of Allah. This exemplifies the concept of compelling oneself to perform a deed that is not naturally desired but is done out of love and obedience to Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to go beyond their comfort zones and strive for excellence in their actions. It reminds us that true virtue lies in overcoming our own aversions and willingly engaging in acts of goodness and righteousness.

By compelling ourselves to perform these deeds, we demonstrate our sincerity and dedication to Allah. We develop self-discipline, strengthen our faith, and grow spiritually. Moreover, these actions have far-reaching consequences, not only benefiting ourselves but also positively impacting the society around us.

For example, if a person compels themselves to regularly perform acts of charity, even when it may be difficult or inconvenient, they contribute to alleviating poverty and supporting those in need. This not only benefits the recipients but also fosters a culture of compassion and generosity within the community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best deeds are those that individuals compel themselves to do, even if they initially dislike or find them challenging. This concept is supported by Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of sacrificing personal desires and inclinations for the sake of Allah. By striving to perform these deeds, we demonstrate our sincerity, strengthen our faith, and positively impact society. May Allah grant us the strength and determination to engage in such acts of righteousness.