Hadith #6029

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to hasten towards acts of obedience and strive to excel in performing righteous actions. The words used in this Hadith carry deep meanings that require our attention and reflection.

The first important word in this Hadith is (rush) "سارِعُوا". It emphasizes the urgency and importance of engaging in acts of obedience. It encourages Muslims to be proactive and diligent in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This word reminds us that time is precious and should not be wasted in idle pursuits.

The second significant word is (acts of obedience) "الطّاعاتِ". This encompasses all acts that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), including prayers, fasting, charity, and acts of kindness towards others. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our obligations and going beyond them to earn additional rewards.

The third important word is (race) "سابِقُوا". It signifies the need to compete and strive in doing righteous actions. Muslims are encouraged to be at the forefront in performing good deeds, seeking to outdo one another in acts of piety and righteousness. This word reminds us of the importance of self-improvement and constantly striving to be better Muslims.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us that if we fall short in our efforts, we should be careful not to neglect our obligatory duties. This is a reminder that while it is commendable to engage in voluntary acts of worship, we must never neglect our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Fulfilling our obligations is the foundation of our faith and should always be our priority.

To further understand the importance of rushing towards acts of obedience and not falling short in performing obligatory duties, let us turn to the Quran for guidance.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:148):

So rush to [perform] good deeds as to a racehorse.

This ayah emphasizes the urgency and swiftness with which we should engage in acts of righteousness. It encourages us to be enthusiastic and proactive in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This ayah highlights the importance of working together as a community to promote goodness and righteousness. It reminds us that by rushing towards acts of obedience, we can collectively create a positive impact on society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:21), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of striving and competing in seeking forgiveness and Paradise. It encourages us to be proactive in seeking Allah's mercy and forgiveness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to be diligent and enthusiastic in our worship. He reminds us that while it is praiseworthy to engage in voluntary acts of obedience, we must never neglect our obligatory duties. By rushing towards acts of obedience and not falling short in fulfilling our obligations, we can strive to attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and earn His abundant rewards.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to rush towards acts of obedience and fulfill our obligations with sincerity and excellence. May He accept our efforts and reward us abundantly in this world and the Hereafter.